Chapter V: ANIMALCULES Are destitute of tentacula or feelers, and are generally (1)

so minute as to be invisible to the naked eye. They are chiefly found in
different infusions of animal and vegetable substances.

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CLASS I.--MAMMIFEROUS ANIMALS.

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ORDER I.--PRIMATES.

15. _MAN._

_The only production of the human body which appears to be useful in a
commercial view, is the_ hair.

Human hair, for the purpose of being made into wigs, and ornamental head-dresses, is imported into this country from the Continent, and chiefly from Germany. We also import hair from China, but the latter is generally of very dark colour. On the Continent this article is almost wholly collected by pedlars, who travel through the different countries, and carry trinkets and other articles for sale, and to exchange for it.

When, some years ago, long hair was much more fashionable than it is at present, great numbers of young women in Germany suffered their hair to grow, and had it cut, from time to time, as a source of emolument. The notion that long hair is frequently cut from the heads of persons after they are dead is totally unfounded, since the uncertainty of such supply would alone render it impracticable. The hair that is used for men's wigs is almost wholly children's hair, no other being in general considered sufficiently fine for this purpose.

The value of hair is from five to twelve shillings per ounce, according to the quality, length, or colour. Before it can be used it is well rubbed with dry sand, and afterwards boiled, to clean it. Such as is intended for wigs, if it do not curl naturally, is twisted round small earthenware cylinders, put into a vessel with sand, and baked in an oven, until it acquire this property. The most scarce and valuable kind of hair is that of flaxen colour.

So great was formerly the demand for long hair, and so extravagant the price for which it was frequently sold, that a mode was invented of stretching it to nearly double its original length. This was effected by fastening the ends of the hair to the opposite sides of a vessel, placing a heavy weight across the middle, and applying heat underneath. As the heat softened the hair, the weight pressed it down, and extended it. But this project was found not to answer, as the hair lost all its quality, and could never be used but when mixed with other hair, and even then the fraud was discoverable by the stretched hair gradually shrinking nearly to its original length.

In lawyers' and judges' wigs horse-hair and goats'-hair are frequently used, to give stiffness and form to the different parts.

16. _APES, BABOONS, and MONKEYS_ (Simia), _are all animals of hot
climates, none of them except the Barbury ape_ (Simia inuus) _being ever
found wild in Europe. They are distinguished by having four front teeth
in each jaw, and all their feet formed like hands_.

_Linnæus, although he has arranged these animals under one tribe, has
characterised the apes by their entire want of tails; the_ baboons _by
having short tails; and the_ monkeys _by having long ones. The tails of
some of the monkeys, particularly those of South America, are so formed,
that the animals are able to coil them round any object so firmly as to
afford them a support in, apparently, the most perilous situations.
Several of the monkeys have pouches within their cheeks, in which they
collect their food previously to its being swallowed._

The chief, perhaps the only, use to which these animals are applied, is as food. The _pigmy apes_ are caught by the Arabs, and fattened for this purpose, as we would fatten sheep. Whilst Dampier was on the coast of America he frequently partook of this kind of food; and states that he never ate any thing more delicious. The native American tribes eat the flesh of almost all kinds of monkeys, preferring that, however, of the _four-fingered species_ to any other. Oexmelin informs us that, while he was at Cape Gracias a Dios, in New Spain, the hunters regularly brought home, in the evening, such monkeys as they had killed in the course of the day; and that their flesh somewhat resembled that of a hare, and was of peculiarly sweet flavour. He observes, that he and his companions lived on these animals all the time they remained there.

Desmarchias, in his account of Cayenne, says that the flesh of the _howling monkeys_, which are peculiarly numerous in the woods of that county, is a white and very palatable food, not indeed so fat, but in general as good, as mutton. Both the negroes and the colonists of Surinam occasionally subsist on monkeys. Yet, however delicate this kind of food may be, it is extremely repugnant to the feelings of an European to partake of what, when skinned, has so much the form and general appearance of a human being as these animals.

The woods of nearly all hot climates abound in monkeys, the species of which are extremely numerous. They feed almost wholly on fruit, grain, roots, and other vegetable productions. It would be inconsistent with the plan of the present work to enter into any detail relative to their habits of life. We can only say, generally, that few animals are known to be more active, mischievous, and enterprising than these. They usually live in immense troops, and commit great depredations in cultivated grounds near the forests where they reside; some of them continuing on watch, to give alarm in case of danger, whilst others are engaged in pilfering and carrying off the plunder to their habitations.

17. _The BATS_ (Vespertilio) _constitute a very singular tribe of
quadrupeds, which have the toes of their fore-feet extremely long, and
connected together by a very thin and dark-coloured membrane, that
extends round the hinder part of their body, and serves the place of
wings, in enabling them to flit along the air in pursuit of food_.

_There are near thirty ascertained species of bats, six of which are
occasionally found in England. Some of them are smaller than a mouse, but
others are so large that their extended membranes measure betwixt three
and four feet in width. The latter are found only in torrid climates._

As all the European bats feed wholly on insects, which they catch during their flight, there can be no doubt but, in this respect, they are extremely serviceable to mankind. They devour myriads of night-flying moths, the caterpillars of which would otherwise prove injurious to our gardens, orchards, and fields.

The larger kinds, such as the _vampyre_ and _spectre bats_, the former of which are found in incredible numbers in the islands of the eastern seas, and the latter on the continent of South America, are not unfrequently used as food. At a particular season of the year, they become fat; and though, whilst alive, their smell is excessively rank and unpleasant, they are then said to be delicious eating, and, in flavour, somewhat to resemble rabbits. The inhabitants of New Caledonia weave their _hair_ into various ornamental articles, and plait it, with the stalks and leaves of a kind of grass, into tassels for their clubs.

ORDER II.--BRUTA.

18. _The LONG and SHORT-TAILED MANIS_ (Manis tetradactyla, and
pentadactyla, Fig. 18) _are very singular quadrupeds, with a long muzzle,
small mouth destitute of teeth, and their body covered with scales. They
are distinguished from each other by the former having a very long tail
and four toes, and the latter a short tail and five toes._

_These animals are natives of India, Africa, and China; and are from four
to seven or eight feet in length. From the scales with which their bodies
are clad, and the general shape of the tail, they might be mistaken, at
first sight, for lizards. The under part of their bodies, however, is
clad with hair, which is not the case in any species of lizard._

By the negroes of Africa both the species of manis are much sought for, and on account, chiefly, of their _flesh_ as food. There is, however, some difficulty in procuring them, as they live in obscure places, in the midst of rocks, woods, and morasses. When discovered they are unable to escape by flight, and, in self-defence, roll themselves into a ball, and erect their scales; exposing an armed surface on every side, impenetrable by the teeth of dogs, but easily assailable by the spears of the negroes. In their habits these animals are gentle and innoxious, and subsist only on insects, of different kinds.

Their _scales_, which are sufficiently hard to strike fire when struck against flint, are applied to many useful purposes.

19. _The ARMADILLOS_ (Dasypus, Fig. 19) _are a tribe of quadrupeds, which
have grinding teeth, but no canine nor front-teeth; their bodies are
covered with a crustaceous shell_.

_There are ten species, all of which are inhabitants of Brazil and other
parts of South America, and are from eight or ten inches to three feet in
length. The species are distinguished from each other chiefly by the
number of flexible bands which extend across their back._

Their _flesh_ is a favourite food with the inhabitants of South America. Of their _shells_ these people make baskets, boxes, and numerous ornamental articles, which they paint and adorn in various ways; and the shells, reduced to powder, are sometimes administered internally as a medicine.

It is customary to hunt armadillos with dogs that are trained for the purpose. They reside in burrows which they dig in the ground, into these they endeavour to retreat when pursued: or, if at too great a distance, they attempt to dig new ones before they are overtaken. When in their holes, they are either smoked out, or are expelled by pouring in water. The moment they are seized they roll themselves together, and will not again extend unless placed near a hot fire. These animals seldom appear abroad except during the night; and they are often caught in snares that are laid for them at the mouths of their dens.

20. _The RHINOCEROS.--There are two species of rhinoceros, one of which
has one, and the other two horns, situated on the nose, and three hoofs
on each foot._

_These are animals of large size and bulky form, and live in swamps,
morasses, and forests, in wet situations, within the torrid regions_.
_The_ SINGLE-HORNED RHINOCEROS (Rhinoceros unicornis, Fig. 1.) _which is
generally five or six feet in height, is found in Africa, in the central
and southern parts of Asia, and in the islands of Sumatra and Ceylon. Its
skin is blackish, naked, extremely thick, covered with a kind of warts,
and disposed into large folds on different parts of the body. The_
TWO-HORNED RHINOCEROS (Rhinoceros bicornis) _is a native of Africa, and
has a thick and dark-coloured skin, but not arranged in folds like that
of the preceding species_.

The _skin_ of the rhinoceros is an article in great demand in several countries of Asia and Africa. It is manufactured into the best and hardest leather that can be imagined; and targets or shields are made of it, that are proof against even the stroke of a scimitar. In this state the colour of the skin is variegated; and when polished it is nearly similar in appearance to tortoise-shell. The inhabitants of Surat make very elegant targets of these hides, which they stud with silver-headed nails. The Hottentots make _chanboks_ or whips of them.

In Sumatra, Ceylon, and some parts of India, the _flesh_ of the rhinoceros is an useful food. The _horns_, which are from twelve to fifteen inches in length, and three to six inches in diameter, are much esteemed amongst the Mahometans, not on account of any real utility, but from their being considered an antidote against poison. Good-sized horns, if purchased at three or four pounds sterling each, may be sold in the East Indies, with considerable profit, to the Arabian merchants. They are made into drinking cups; and it is believed that if any thing poisonous be put into them, a fermentation will ensue, by which the poison may be discovered. This, however, is without foundation, as very satisfactory experiments have proved. By the Arabians the horns of the rhinoceros are frequently made into the hilts of swords; and they are sold at an enormous price for that purpose. They are also manufactured into snuff-boxes, which are considered preferable to such as are made of tortoise shell; and we are informed by Martial, that the Roman ladies of fashion used them in the baths, to hold their essence bottles and oils.

The savage tribes of southern Africa, and even the inhabitants of the Cape of Good Hope, set a high value on the dried _blood_ of the rhinoceros, to which they ascribe great medicinal virtues. The _hoofs_, and even the _teeth_, are also used medicinally.

Respecting the rhinoceros it may not be improper to remark, that, although naturally of a quiet and inoffensive disposition, his strength is such, that few animals are able to contend with him; and that the thickness of his hide is so great, as in several parts to be impenetrable even by a musket ball. These animals feed entirely on vegetable food, but particularly on the leaves and tender branches of shrubs. Their horns are not fixed into the bone of the head, like those of other quadrupeds, but only into the skin. They appear loose whilst the animals are in a quiescent state; but when the animals are irritated, they become fixed and immoveable.

21. _The ELEPHANT_ (Elephas, Fig. 20), _the only known animal of the
tribe to which it belongs, is an inhabitant of the warmer regions of Asia
and Africa, and is distinguished by having two long tusks projecting from
the upper jaw, and the snout lengthened into a long and flexible trunk_.

_The general height of the elephant is nine or ten feet. Its skin is of
dingy brown colour, and nearly destitute of hair. The tusks are much
longer in the male than the female. Each of the feet has five rounded
hoofs: and the tail, which is short, is terminated by a few scattered,
and very thick black hairs._

Throughout the whole of the East Indies, as well as in several other parts of Asia, the elephant is an animal of indispensable utility. When tamed and reduced to a state of submission, he becomes so tractable as to obey all the orders of his keeper. Elephants are formed in a particular manner for the service of man in hot climates. They are employed both as beasts of draft and burthen; and one elephant is supposed equal to as much work as six horses. They are conducted by a man, who sits on their neck, and who employs as a weapon an iron rod, hooked at the end, with which he pricks the animal to urge him forward, or turn him in any direction that may be required. Almost all the articles that are transported from place to place in India are conveyed by elephants. They bend their knees to accommodate those who mount them: and, with their trunks, they even assist the persons by whom they are loaded. Before the invention of gunpowder, elephants were much employed by the Indians in their wars. They are now chiefly used for the purposes of labour and parade. They require much attention, and are generally fed with rice, either raw or boiled, and mixed with water, of which each elephant will devour daily near a hundred pounds' weight, besides a certain quantity of fresh herbage which is procured for him. They are led to the water thrice a day, both to drink and bathe; and their daily consumption of water for drink has been estimated at forty five gallons each.

The modes in which elephants are caught and domesticated are curious and interesting. In a wild state they inhabit, in large troops, the thick and boundless forests of Asia and Africa. To obtain the single male elephant, it is customary, in some parts of India, to employ females, which are trained for that particular purpose. When the hunters have discovered a male elephant that suits them, they conduct four of the females silently and slowly, at a little distance from each other, nearly to the place where he is feeding. If, as frequently is the case, he permit their approach, two of them are conducted, one on each side, close to his neck, a third places herself across his tail, and the fourth is brought up by proper attendants, who immediately pass under the animal and tie his legs with ropes. After this he is further secured; and, at length, though not without much difficulty, is conveyed home and domesticated.

When a herd of elephants are to be secured, a party consisting sometimes of 500 persons are employed. These, by fire and noises, drive them into certain enclosures, formed for the purpose; an operation which generally occupies several days. These enclosures are three in number, and communicate with each other by narrow openings or gateways. The opening of the outer enclosure is disguised, as much as possible, by bamboos and branches of trees stuck into the ground, so as to make it look like a natural jungle. It is not without much difficulty that the leader can be induced to enter: but, after he has passed, all the others immediately follow. There is still greater difficulty in inducing them to pass into the second and third enclosures: and lastly, one by one, into the roomee, an outlet about sixty feet in length, and so narrow that the animals are unable to turn round in it. Here, after in vain exerting all their powers to break down the fences and escape, they are all, in succession, secured by ropes that are fastened round their legs.

To domesticate the animals, they are now each placed under a keeper, who is appointed to attend and instruct them. After the elephant has for some days been supplied with food and water, the keeper ventures to approach him. He strokes and pats him with his hand, at the same time speaking to him in a soothing voice; and after a little while the beast begins to know and obey him. By degrees the keeper becomes familiar; he ventures to mount upon his back from one of the tame elephants, and at length seats himself on his neck, from whence he afterwards regulates and directs all his motions. In a few weeks the animal becomes obedient; his fetters are by degrees taken off; and, in the course of six months, he submits entirely to his keeper's will.

Wild male elephants are frequently hunted and killed, both in Asia and Africa, on account of their tusks, which, under the name of _ivory_, are a very important article of traffic. The temptation held out, at the Cape of Good Hope, to this dangerous pursuit, in which many of the hunters lose their lives, is the payment of a guilder per pound for the tusks; and these weigh from 30 to 130 pounds each. For the whitest, smoothest, and most compact ivory that is known, we are, however, indebted to the island of Ceylon. The whole quantity of ivory exported from the Cape of Good Hope in four years, ending in 1804, amounted to 5981 pounds; and the average annual quantity vended at the East India Company's sales from 1804 to 1808 was twenty-six tons.

The principal consumption of ivory is for making ornamental utensils, mathematical instruments, boxes, combs, dice, and an infinite variety of toys. This substance is also used for painting miniatures upon, for which, however, it goes through a peculiar preparation. It is capable of being stained of various and very beautiful colours. The shavings of ivory, like those of hartshorn, may, by boiling, be converted into a jelly; and they possess similar virtues. Bone is frequently substituted for ivory, but it is easily known by its pores, which are not to be seen in ivory, and by its wanting the beautiful white veins or marks by which ivory is distinguished.

The _flesh_ of the elephant is eaten by the negroes of Africa; and the ancients attributed many medicinal qualities to the _blood_ and the _trunk_.

22. _The GREAT MORSE, or ARCTIC WALRUS_ (Trichechus rosmarus), _is a
marine quadruped of enormous size, with short fin-like feet, two great
tusks pointing downward from the upper jaw, the lips peculiarly thick,
the upper lip cleft into two large rounded lobes, and no front teeth in
either jaw_.

_These animals inhabit the sea near the northern parts of the coast of
America, and feed on sea-weeds, corallines, and shellfish. They are
sometimes nearly eighteen feet in length, and ten or twelve in
circumference. Their skin is of dark colour, and thinly covered with
short brownish hair. They have small eyes, and small circular orifices in
place of external ears._

We are informed that these animals, under the name of horse-whales, were objects of pursuit so early as even the reign of King Alfred, and on account chiefly of their _tusks_ and _oil_. The former are a close-grained kind of ivory, and weigh from ten to near thirty pounds each; and the latter, which is equally valuable with that of whale oil, is in such abundance that the body of each animal yields nearly half a tun. This oil is burned in lamps, is used for the same purposes as whale-oil, and even eaten by the inhabitants of Greenland with their food. Of the _skins_ of the arctic walrus the Greenlanders make a thick and strong harness for their sledges and carriages; and they sometimes twist narrow strips of them together to form cables. They constitute an important article of export from the coast of Labrador. The _tendons_ of these animals are capable of being split and used as thread.

So numerous were arctic walruses formerly in the northern seas, that we are informed of the English, in 1706, having killed, on Cherry Island (betwixt Norway and Greenland) near eight hundred of them in six hours; and that, in 1708, they killed nine hundred in seven hours. Of late years, however, their numbers are much decreased.

ORDER III.--FERÆ.

23. _The COMMON SEAL_ (Phoca vitulina, Fig. 2) _is a marine quadruped
with a large and round head, no external ears, the neck smooth, the body
tapering gradually to the tail, the legs smooth, and all the feet
webbed._

_This animal is found on almost all the northern shores of Britain; and
is generally from four to six feet in length. Its colour varies, being
dusky, whitish, grey, black, or spotted._

Seals are eagerly pursued by the inhabitants of nearly all the northern countries of Europe. They are found in hollow rocks or caverns near the sea, and are killed with guns, clubs, or spears. The usual season for hunting them is during the months of October and November.

The _flesh_ of seals is much esteemed by the Greenlanders; and their _skins_ are extremely serviceable. These are converted into clothing; into coverings for beds, houses, and boats; and into thongs, and straps of every description. The Americans fill them with air and make a kind of rafts of them. The _fat_ yields a clear and much sweeter oil than that obtained from whales, and is used by the Greenlanders in their lamps, and frequently also with their food. The _fibres_ of the tendons are said to be a stronger and better substance for sewing with than either thread or silk. Before the introduction of iron the _bones_ of seals were used for the points of weapons both for chase and war. The _skins of the entrails_ are employed instead of glass in windows; and, sewed together, are formed into shirts and other under parts of dress.

When the long and coarse hair of the seal is pulled off, a fine, short, silky, and somewhat fawn-coloured down is left, which in this country is a fashionable _fur_ for ornamenting ladies' dresses. This fur woven with silk is also manufactured into shawls, which are of extremely soft and delicate texture. Seal _skins_, when tanned and properly dressed, are converted into a valuable leather for shoes and other uses.

24. _The LEONINE SEAL, or SEA LION_ (Phoca jubata) _is a marine quadruped
which inhabits the shores of Kamschatka and Greenland, is sixteen or
eighteen feet in length, and is distinguished by the male having its neck
covered with a mane._

The great quantity of oil which is yielded by these seals is the cause of their being pursued and killed, by the inhabitants of all countries on the shores of which they are found. The _skins_ of the younger animals are made, in Greenland, into garments for women; and those of the old ones are used for beds. When the latter are freed from the hair, they are applied as coverings for boats and houses. They are also sometimes sewed together as bags to contain provision, and for other uses. The _skins of the intestines_ are used for the same purposes as those of the common seal; and the _teeth_ are adapted for the points of arrows and spears.

There are numerous other species of seals, all of which are in some respects useful to mankind, and chiefly for the purposes which have been above enumerated.

25. _The DOG_ (Canis familiaris) _is an animal characterized by Linnæus
as having the tail recurved, and bent towards the left side of the body._

_Dogs are found in a wild state in Africa and South America._

As an attached and faithful servant of man, the dog is equalled by no animal. Though destitute of the faculty of thought, he has all the ardour of sentiment. He is all zeal, warmth, and obedience; and, forgetful of injuries, he seeks only how he may gain the favour and affection of his master. During the night he guards the house, and, by the noise he makes, he gives notice of the approach of depredators. He also protects the property committed to his care, and secures it from being plundered. He directs the steps of the blind, and, in some instances, has even been instructed to pick up money, and put it into his master's hat. Being endowed with great strength and fleetness of foot, some kinds of dogs are trained to the chase, and taught not only to pursue and to destroy noxious and savage beasts, but also to hunt for and secure animals as food for their master. And there are many countries, both of the old and new Continent, in which, if man were deprived of this faithful ally, he would unsuccessfully resist the foes that surround him, and that are incessantly on the watch to destroy his labour, attack his person, or encroach upon his property.

But it is not only during his life that the dog is serviceable to mankind. After death his _skin_ is converted, by the inhabitants of Greenland, into garments, and particularly into stockings. It is also used for the coverlets of beds. Dogs' skins in our own country are tanned, and applied to several useful purposes, as leather, and particularly for gloves and shoes. The _hair_ of some kinds of dogs is so thick and matted that, like wool, it is capable of being converted into cloth. A small kind of King Charles's dog is mentioned by Dr. Anderson to have had long and soft hair, covering a finer sort, which might, with advantage, have been woven into shawls. He speaks of another kind which had a very thick fleece, much resembling that of some of the Lincolnshire sheep; and of a third kind with close frizzed wool, which was shorn annually and made into stockings. He, however, remarks that the finest hair he ever saw upon a dog, and which indeed for softness and gloss more resembled silk than hair, grew upon a very small kind of Maltese dog. This, if manufactured, might have been converted into shawls of uncommon softness and beauty. The fleece of a water dog, belonging to a farrier in the horse artillery, was manufactured into hats, and answered this purpose sufficiently well. Each fleece was sufficient for two hats, and was considered to be worth about twelve shillings.

Disgusting as it may appear to us, the _flesh_ of the dog is a favourite food in many countries. The Greenlanders eat it with avidity. In the markets of Canton, dogs are exposed for sale in the same manner as other animal food. The negroes of Africa prefer their flesh to that of any other quadrupeds; for dogs are sold in some of their markets at as dear a rate as mutton or venison. With the North American Indians they are considered a great delicacy; and we are informed by Pliny, that the Romans were so partial to this kind of food, that a fricassee of sucking puppies was considered a favourite dish with even the most notorious Roman epicures.

There are near thirty distinct and well ascertained varieties of the dog; of which fourteen are considered to be natives of our own island.

26. _The SIBERIAN DOG is distinguished by having its ears erect, and the
hair of its body and tail very long._

To the inhabitants of many northern countries of the world, these dogs are of essential service. They are employed in drawing sledges over the frozen snow, five of them being yoked to each sledge, two and two, with the fifth in front as a leader. These sledges generally carry only one person each, who sits sideways, and guides the animals by reins fastened to their collars; but more particularly by his voice, and a crooked stick which he carries in his hand. If the dogs be well trained, the charioteer has only to strike the ice with his stick to make them go to the left, and the sledge to make them go to the right; and, when he wishes them to stop, he places it betwixt the front of the sledge and the snow. When they are inattentive to their duty, he chastises them by throwing his stick at them; but great dexterity is generally requisite in picking it up again. So much, however, depends upon the excellence of the leader, that a steady and docile dog for this purpose is not unfrequently sold for as much as ten pounds sterling.

The fleetness of the Siberian dogs is so great that they have been known to perform a journey of 270 miles in three days and a half; and with a sledge containing three persons and their luggage, they will travel sixty miles in a day. During the most severe storms, when their master cannot see his path, nor can even keep his eyes open, they seldom miss their way. And it is said that, in the midst of a long journey, when it is found absolutely impossible to proceed any further, the dogs, lying round their master, will keep him warm, and prevent him from perishing by the cold.

The natives of Kamtschatka wear the _skins_ of these animals as clothing, and consider the long hair as an ornament.

27. _The NEWFOUNDLAND DOG_, for united size, strength, and docility, exceeds all the kinds of dog with which we are acquainted. As its name imports, it is a native of the island of Newfoundland; and also of the adjacent parts of America, where it is employed in drawing wood on sledges, from the interior of the country to the sea-coast. Four of these dogs are harnessed to each sledge, and are able with ease to draw three hundred weight of wood for several miles. And it is peculiarly deserving of remark, that they often perform this service without any driver. Before the introduction of horses into general use in Canada, most of the land-carriage was performed by dogs.

The ease with which the Newfoundland dog swims, and the strong attachment which he forms towards mankind, have rendered him of great service in cases of danger from the oversetting of boats, and other accidents by water.

BRITISH DOGS.

28. _The SHEPHERD'S DOG is an animal of rude and inelegant appearance,
has its ears erect or half erect, and the tail covered beneath with long
hair._

In wide and extensive tracts of down or mountain that are appropriated to the feeding of sheep, it would be impossible for the shepherds to have any command over their flocks, without the assistance of this faithful and docile ally. At a word from his master he drives the sheep to and from their pasture, and will suffer no stranger from another flock to intrude upon his. If he observe any of the sheep attempting to stray, he springs forward in an instant to stop their course, however great the distance. These dogs drive the sheep entirely by their voice; never lacerating them, nor indeed ever employing force but for the preservation of peace and good order. When awake they are, at all times, alive to their master's directions; and, in repose, they lie down by his wallet, and defend it from plunder.

29. _The WATER DOG is principally distinguished by having its hair long
and curled, like the fleece of a sheep, its muzzle somewhat short, and
the feet more webbed than those of most other dogs._

_There are two kinds of water-dogs, which differ only in size, the one
being nearly as large again as the other._

It is to sportsmen principally that these dogs are of use. Being fond of swimming, they are chiefly employed for fetching out of the water game that has been shot and fallen into it.

Their _fleece_ has so near a resemblance to wool, that it is capable of being manufactured into a coarse kind of cloth, or of being made into hats.

30. _The SPANIEL_ (Fig. 21) _is a dog with pendulous and woolly ears, the
hair long on all parts of the body, but particularly on the breast,
beneath the body, and at the back of the legs._

Like the water dog, the spaniel is chiefly useful to sportsmen, in the shooting of water fowl. And when hawking was a fashionable recreation in England, this was the kind of dog which was always taken out to spring the game.

In all ages the spaniel has been noted for fidelity and attachment to mankind; and the instances that have been recorded of these are innumerable. The chief order of Denmark (now improperly denominated the order of the elephant) was instituted in memory of a spaniel, which had shown a peculiar attachment to the monarch, his master, when deserted by his subjects.

31. _The SETTER is a dog nearly allied to the spaniel, and is to this day
frequently distinguished by the name of the English spaniel._

In some parts of England these dogs are used in the field to discover and point out game to the sportsman. They are very tractable, and easily trained to their duty. And such are their muscular powers, that an instance has been related of a setter having hunted all the fields adjoining to the road along which his master was riding, through a distance of near sixty miles.

32. _The POINTER is a dog with smooth hair, stout limbs, blunt muzzle,
and tail appearing as if in part cut off._

These dogs are in common use with sportsmen, for discovering game, which they are taught to do with wonderful steadiness and attention. Aided by the acuteness of their smell, they gently approach the spot where the game lies, and at length stop; having their eyes steadily fixed upon it, one foot generally somewhat raised from the ground, and the tail extended in a straight line. If the birds run, the dog steals cautiously after them, keeping still the same attitude; and when they stop he is again steady. It is by the assistance of pointers that game is chiefly killed in this country.

33. _HOUNDS are distinguished into three kinds, called the_ harrier,
fox-hound, _and_ stag-hound; _all of which are characterized by having
their ears smooth and pendulous, and having on each hind foot a spurious
claw, called a dew claw._

Of these animals the first, which is the smallest, has its name from being employed in hunting the hare; the second is larger and more stout, and is used for hunting the fox; and the third, which is the largest, stoutest, and fleetest of the whole, is used for hunting the stag.

They are always taken to the field in packs, consisting of about twenty-five couple; and, when in scent of their game, they unite in a loud yelling noise which they continue so long as they are in pursuit.

34. _The BLOOD-HOUND is larger than the common hound, and is generally of
a deep tan or reddish colour, with a black spot over each eye._

In the early periods of our history, blood-hounds were in much greater request than at present.--They are indebted, for their name, to the faculty with which they are endowed, of being able to trace wounded animals by their blood. Their principal employment was to recover such game as, after having been wounded, had escaped from the hunters. In most of the royal forests blood-hounds are at this day kept, for tracing wounded deer; which they are able to do, however distant the flight, or however thick the parts of the forest through which they may have passed. Deer-stealers are also frequently discovered by means of these animals.

Blood-hounds were formerly used in certain districts on the confines of England and Scotland, to overawe or pursue the depredators of flocks and herds. Of late years they have been employed in the island of Jamaica, to discover the ambuscades of the Maroons, in their projected descent upon the whites; and, in the Spanish West Indian islands, to traverse the country, in pursuit of persons guilty of murder and other crimes. The dogs are taught to act more by exciting terror than by attack; and criminals are in general taken by them, and brought to justice, without the slightest personal injury.

35. _The GREY-HOUND_ (Fig. 22) _is distinguished by his slender and
curved body, his narrow muzzle, and his tail being curved upward at the
extremity._

Our ancestors so highly esteemed the grey-hound, that, by the laws of Canute, it was enacted that no person under the degree of a gentleman should presume to keep a grey-hound. The pursuit of animals by these dogs is particularly denominated _coursing_. Those that were anciently coursed by them were the deer, the fox, and the hare; but they are now only used for coursing the hare. They hunt by sight, and not by scent; and their fleetness of foot is such that, in a hilly or uneven country, there are few horses which can keep pace with them.

36. _The MASTIFF_ (Fig. 23) _is a dog of large size and robust body; and
has the lips hanging down at the sides._

By the ancient Britons it was customary to train these dogs to be of use in war. With us they are chiefly employed as watch dogs; and they discharge this duty in many instances with great fidelity. Some of them will suffer a stranger to come into the enclosure they are appointed to guard, and will accompany him peaceably through every part, so long as he continues to touch nothing; but the moment he attempts to lay hold of any of the goods, or endeavours to leave the place, the animal informs him, first by growling, or if that be ineffectual, by harsher means, that he must neither do mischief nor go away. He seldom uses violence unless resisted; and in this case, will sometimes seize the person, throw him down, and, without biting him, will hold him there for hours, or until relieved.

When roused to fury the mastiff is one of the most tremendous animals with which we are acquainted, and consequently one of the most difficult to be overcome in combat. He is, however, capable of a steady attachment towards his master, and will protect him from injury at the risk of his own life.

37. _The BULL-DOG is smaller than the mastiff, but in general form is
nearly allied to it: the body is robust, the snout somewhat flatter than
that of the mastiff; and the lips are pendulous at the sides._

For courage and ferocity the bull-dog is exceeded by no British animal of its size. Since the horrid practice of bull-baiting has been discontinued in this kingdom, the race of these dogs has much declined; and the few that are now seen are employed by butchers and other persons as watch-dogs.

38. _The TERRIER is a small and hardy kind of dog, the name of which is
derived from its usually subterraneous employments._

_Some terriers are rough, and others smooth haired. They are generally of
reddish brown, or black colour, short-legged, and strongly bristled about
the muzzle._

These dogs, the determined enemies of almost every species of vermin, are of great use to farmers and others, in the extermination of rats, polecats, and similar depredators. They are also employed in driving foxes from their dens, and on this account are generally attendants upon every pack of fox-hounds. Formerly they were used in rabbit warrens, to expel these animals from their burrows. In character they are fierce, keen, and hardy; and, being remarkable for vigilance, they are admirable house-dogs.

39. _The LURCHER is a dog apparently partaking of the nature both of the
terrier and the grey-hound; there are two varieties, one covered with
short and thickset hair, and the other with long and harsh hair._

As this dog hunts both by sight and smell, and takes his prey without noise, he is frequently employed by poachers in their nocturnal excursions in pursuit of game. When in the midst of game the lurcher does not, like most other dogs, either bark or suddenly run upon it; but, by a seeming neglect, he deceives the object till it comes within reach, and then suddenly springs upon and secures it.

40. _The TURNSPIT is a small dog, with short and generally crooked legs,
and the tail curled upward._

These dogs were formerly much employed to assist in the roasting of meat. For this purpose they were placed in a broad kind of wheel connected with the spit, which they turned round by running in it as a squirrel does in his cage. They are still used in this capacity in most of the countries of the Continent; but being now in little request in England, the breed is nearly extinct with us.

41. _The WOLF_ (Canis lupus) _is a ferocious animal of the dog tribe, of
brownish colour, with pointed nose, erect and sharp ears, and bushy tail
bent inward._

_This animal is found wild in most of the countries of the Continent, and
was formerly common in England._

The wolf affords to us nothing valuable but his _skin_, which makes a warm and durable fur.

In North Carolina there is a kind of wolf the _skin_ of which, when properly dressed, makes good parchment; and, when tanned, is convertible into excellent summer shoes. The Indians frequently use these skins for beds, under an impression that they drive away bugs and fleas; and they imagine that nearly all parts of this animal are useful as remedies for different bodily disorders.

In the ancient periods of our history wolves were so numerous and so destructive in England, that we are informed of places having been built in different parts of the island to defend passengers from their attacks. In the reign of Edward the First, a royal mandate was issued to a person whose name was Corbet, to superintend and assist in the destruction of wolves, in the several counties of Gloucester, Worcester, Hereford, Salop, and Stafford; and numerous individuals held lands of the crown, by the duty of hunting and destroying wolves. The latest account that has occurred respecting the existence of wolves in England is under the date of 1281. The last wolf known to have been killed in Scotland was in the year 1680; and the date of the complete extinction of these animals in Ireland is 1710.

42. _The COMMON FOX_ (Canis vulpes, Fig. 24) _is an animal of the dog
tribe, of brown colour, with sharp muzzle, erect and pointed ears, and
straight and bushy tail tipped with white._

_This animal is found in almost every country of the world._

Although foxes occasionally commit great depredation in poultry-yards, and among game, they are serviceable to mankind by destroying many kinds of noxious animals. Their _skin_ also constitutes a soft and warm fur, which, in many parts of Europe, is used for muffs and tippets, for the linings of winter garments, and for robes of state. So great is the demand for these skins, that, at Lausanne, there are furriers, who in a single winter, have received betwixt two and three thousand of them from different parts of the adjacent country. The _flesh_ of the fox is eaten by the inhabitants of some countries of the Continent.

43. _The ARCTIC FOX_ (Canis lagopus) _is an animal of the dog tribe,
smaller than the common fox, of white or bluish grey colour; the hair
very thick, long, and soft, the tail straight and bushy, and the feet
very hairy._

_The extreme parts of North America, and the country around the Frozen
Sea, are those which the Arctic fox principally inhabits._

These animals are principally killed on account of their _skins_, their fur being light and warm, though not durable. In winter this changes to a _white_ colour, and becomes much thicker. The inhabitants of Greenland split the _tendons_, and use them as thread; they also sometimes eat the _flesh_ of these animals.

The modes in which they are caught are various: by stone traps; in holes in the snow, the openings to which are surrounded by snares; in pitfalls, the surfaces of which are so covered that the animals are unable to discover them; and with arrows and guns.

44. _The LION is an animal of the cat tribe, distinguished, from all
others, by his body being of uniform tawny colour, the tail being long
and bushy at the end, and the neck and chest of the male being clad with
a shaggy mane._

_The deserts of the interior of Africa, Persia, India, and Japan, are
inhabited by these animals._

The _skin_ of the lion was formerly used as the tunic of heroes. At this day it serves both as a mantle and a bed for many of the African tribes. His _flesh_, though of strong and disagreeable flavour, is occasionally eaten by the savages, who do not dislike it the more on that account. The _fat_ of the lion is considered to possess many medicinal properties.

It is a characteristic of the lion that he does not often attack any animal openly, unless provoked, or impelled by hunger. The immense strength of his body, his dauntless courage, and the great quantity of food that is requisite to his support, all, however, tend to render him an object of dread. His voice, when irritated, is an horrible roar, which is particularly loud and tremendous when in the act of springing upon and seizing his prey. The only mode of alarming these animals, and preventing a threatened attack, is by fire; the notion of their being alarmed at the crowing of a cock is entirely fabulous.

45. _The TIGER_ (Felis tigris) _is an animal of the cat kind, about the
size of a lion, with smooth hair, of brownish or tawny yellow colour, and
marked by long transverse stripes._

_He is a native of various parts, both of Asia and Africa, but is
principally found in India and the Indian Islands._

The _skin_ of the tiger is almost the only advantage, trifling as that is, which mankind appears to derive from this destructive beast. Tigers' skins are occasionally imported into Europe, but not in great numbers, as articles of trade. They are rather brought as objects of curiosity than of use; and are chiefly employed as hammer-cloths for carriages. They are, however, much esteemed by the Chinese; the mandarins cover their seats of justice and sedans with them, and also use them for cushions and pillows in the winter. The best skins are of large size, with bright yellow ground, beautifully marked with numerous broad black stripes; the more intense the yellow, and the better defined the stripes, the more valuable are the skins. The Indians eat the _flesh_ of the tiger, which they find neither disagreeable nor unwholesome. They also attribute medicinal properties to various parts of the tiger's body.

The great military officers of China have the figure of a tiger embroidered on their robes, than which there could not be selected a more appropriate symbol of the evils and horrors of war.

We know of no quadruped so powerful and ferocious as this. He is the terror of the inhabitants of all the hotter parts of Asia, who not only fear for ravages which he commits amongst their cattle and flocks, but even for their own personal safety. The mode of seizing his prey is by concealing himself, and springing suddenly upon it with an hideous roar. This tremendous beast usually resides in woods and thickets, near streams or morasses.

46. _The PANTHER_ (Felis pardus), _OUNCE_ (Felis uncia), _and HUNTING
LEOPARD_ (Felis jubata), _are all animals of the cat tribe; of which the_
panther _is about seven feet in length, and has the upper part of the
body marked with circular spots, many of them with a spot in the centre,
and the lower parts with stripes; the ounce is about three feet and half
in length, has the body whitish, with irregular black spots; and the_
hunting leopard _is about the height of a grey-hound, has its body tawny,
with black spots, and the neck somewhat maned._

_Each of these animals is found in the hotter parts of Africa and Asia._

In Persia and India, the ounce and hunting leopard are each trained for the _chase_ of antelopes and other game. Of these the former is carried, on horse-back, behind the rider, upon a small leather pad made for the purpose. As soon as the horseman perceives an antelope or other animal at a moderate distance, he makes the ounce descend; which, creeping unperceived near the spot, springs, at five or six amazing leaps, suddenly upon it, and seizes it securely by the neck. The hunting leopard is generally carried in a small waggon, chained and hooded, lest his precipitation should defeat his master's purpose. His mode of approaching and seizing his prey is similar to that of the ounce.

The _skins_ of all these animals are valuable, and are converted into excellent furs. That of the panther is particularly esteemed in Russia.

47. _The LEOPARD_ (Felis leopardus) _is an animal of the cat tribe, about
four feet in length, of yellowish colour, and marked with numerous
annular spots._

_It is an inhabitant of Senegal, Guinea, and most parts of Africa; and
has considerable resemblance, both in habit and appearance, to the
panther._

Leopards' _skins_ are much esteemed in Europe. They seldom exceed four feet in length; and should be chosen large, of lively yellow colour, marked on the back and sides with annular spots, the belly covered with longish white hairs, and with large and oblong spots on the tail. Their use is for hammer-cloths, muffs, the trimmings of ladies' dresses, and other purposes. Some of the most valuable of these skins sell for ten guineas each and upwards. The _flesh_ of the leopard is said, by Kolben, to be white and of good flavour.

48. _The COMMON CAT_ (Felis catus), _in its wild state, is distinguished
from all the animals of the same tribe by having its tail marked with
rings of different coloured hair._

_The body of the wild cat is marked with dusky stripes, of which three on
the top of the back are lengthwise, whilst those on the sides are
transverse and somewhat curved. Domestic cats are marked very variously;
some are grey and striped, others variegated with black, white, and
orange, and others are entirely black or white._

_Cats are found wild in woods of Europe, Asia, and America._

The savage disposition and great size of the wild cats render them the most formidable wild animals which are now left in Great Britain. In the southern and midland parts of England they have all been long destroyed; but, in the woods which border the lakes of Westmoreland and Cumberland, and in several of the mountainous parts of Scotland, they are yet occasionally found. They have their lodgments in hollow trees, in the fissures of the rocks, and in deep and narrow holes on the face of dreadful precipices; from which, during the night chiefly, they issue forth in search of prey. This consists of hares, rabbits, and other quadrupeds, and also of various kinds of birds. Wild cats are caught in traps, more for the purpose of destroying them on account of the ravages they commit, than for any uses to which they can be converted. Their _skins_ were formerly in request as fur for the lining of robes and other garments; though they do not appear to have been held in much esteem.