295
cat; its colour a dingy white; the head long; the mouth wide; the
tail about a foot long, at first hairy, but afterwards covered with a
scaly skin; it can neither run or walk quickly; but climbs with
great swiftness.
cat; its colour a dingy white; the head long; the mouth wide; the
tail about a foot long, at first hairy, but afterwards covered with a
scaly skin; it can neither run or walk quickly; but climbs with
great swiftness.
Childrens - The Creation
It is a native of the Brazils.
The Civet. This is a light active creature, and, in a state of nature,
very fierce. It is peculiar for the perfume which is deposited in a
kind of little pouch near the tail. The civet, though a native of
Africa and India, yet bears the cold of our climate; and great num-
bers are kept at Amsterdam, as the Dutch delight in this perfume,
which is more odoriferous than musk. As it emits it stronger when
angry, it was doubtless given to it as a protection; it being over-
powering in large quantities.
The Marten. This animal is about eighteen inches long, and
abounds in the northern regions of America, and is sometimes seen in
England. Its skin is very valuable, being of a dark chesnut colour;
and it forms an extensive article of commerce from Hudson's Bay and
Canada.
The Sable. This valuable animal inhabits the countries of North
America, Silesia, Kamtschatka, and Asiatic Russia. In size it re-
sembles the marten. The peculiarity of the sable fur is, that the hair
will turn either way. The sable hair is used by the artist for his
best brushes.
In the dark days of the Russian Empire, the captives of
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. 32044024073470 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 288
THE CREATION.
Siberia were obliged to send a return of sable skins to the
government.
The Weasel. This singular family is among the inferior beasts
of prey; though its fondness for blood is proverbial. It has a long
and slender body, with short legs; sharpened visage; and a longish
tail; six sharp cutting teeth; and the canine teeth something longer.
The Common Weasel. This animal is well known in our own
country. It is about seven inches long, exclusive of the tail; but
though so small, is as much a beast of prey as the lion. Some naturalists
have related an anecdote of an eagle who seized one of this tribe, and
mounted with it in the air, but was soon perceived to be fluttering in
pain, and at last fell to the ground:--the weasel had reached its neck,
and so bit it, that the vital blood escaped: and so the weasel got free,
and the eagle lay dead on the ground.
The Striated Weasel is a native of America. Its chief peculiarity
is the foetid smell which it has the power of emitting to an amazing
degree.
The Honey Weasel. This creature is, by its fondness for honey, a
continual enemy to bees. At sunset he watches the return of the
bee, and is also especially observant of the flight of a little bird, called
Cuculus Indicator, which acts as his pilot; and if he finds a bee's nest
any where within his reach, the prize is sure; for his skin is so tough,
that the little weapon of the bee cannot perforate it: but when the bee
builds high in a tree, the nest is safe, and the weasel gnaws the tree in
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. 32044024073470 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? LETTER XI.
289
anger. This Dr. Sparrman had from many experienced Hottentot
farmers.
The Ichneumon. This singular animal is a native of Egypt, Bar-
bary, and the Cape of Good Hope. Its length, from the nose to the
extremity of the tail, is from two to three feet: its colour is a pale reddish
grey, mottled with brown; its eyes are red; ears, naked; nose, long and
slender; tail, tufted at the end; hair, coarse; legs, short. In Egypt, the
Ichneumon is justly esteemed, as an especial blessing, being an in-
veterate enemy to the crocodile, serpents, and all noxious reptiles. It
even attacks that most dreaded enemy to man, the Hooded Snake, and
if wounded, retires, it is said, to some medicinal herbs in nature's great
dispensary, and returns to the attack; and is almost always victorious.
It glides about on the ground like a serpent, and springs always at
the throat; and as Lucan eloquently describes it,
" The gasping snake expires beneath the wound;
His gushing jaws with pois'nous floods abound,
And shed the fruitless mischief on the ground. "
The Ichneumon is easily domesticated; and in Egypt is like the
cat in a house.
The Ferret. This destructive little animal came originally from
Africa, but is now naturalized in England. Like others of the weasel
family, it emits a very foetid smell, if angry. It is generally from
ten inches to a foot in length; the white individuals have red eyes.
o
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. 32044024073470 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 290
THE CREATION.
The Stoat, or Ermine. This beautiful little creature, whose fur is
used by royalty, for its richest robes, is found in the north. Its coat,
in the summer, is brown; but when winter comes, then it changes its
colour; and this is the season in which it is sought for, being then pure
white.
The Otter. The animals of this family have all webbed feet, and
live near the water; they prey almost entirely on fish--thus their
homes are generally by the banks of rivers. The otter is a native of
almost all parts of Europe, and is still found, though rarely, in
England. The body of the otter is long and round; the legs are so
placed as to be capable of being brought into a line with the body;
and thus, in swimming, they act as fins. The otter seems the link
between the seal and the quadruped.
The otter is capable of being tamed, and then is employed to fish
for his master. " I have seen," says Dr. Goldsmith, " an otter go at
the word of command--drive the fish to the extremity of the pond;
and bring out the largest, and lay it at its master's feet. "
The Sea Otter. This animal is found near the Straits of Behring,
which divide Asia from America. In length it is about four feet.
Of all the great family of this day's creation, none are so attached to
their young. It is even said, that when deprived of them, they will
starve to death, and try to breathe their last where their young have
been destroyed. As I have before remarked, my dear children, the
contemplation of the animal creation abounds with instruction to us.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. 32044024073470 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? LETTER XI.
291
The Bear. The bear has six front teeth in each jaw. It has also
five or six grinders on each side; but the canine teeth are solitary.
The tongue is smooth, and the snout prominent. The eyes are
furnished with a winking membrane. Some of this family use their
fore paws as hands; and they all climb.
The Common Bear. This animal is found in the Northern king-
doms of Europe; and also in some of the Indian Islands. They
vary in colour; some being black, some brown, and others grey.
The black live principally on animal food : and the brown on
vegetable: but all of them are passionately fond of honey; and as
they can climb well, they frequently plunder the wild hives. The
affection between the mother and cub is proverbial in this family.
No sooner is the latter wounded, than, like the lioness, the she-bear
becomes infuriate; and seizes the enemy, if within reach, and
squeezes him to death. Should the mother be wounded, the young
do not flee from her; but stay around, moaning piteously, and share
her fate.
The modes of catching bears are very varied, and some of them
very barbarous, especially in Russia and Siberia. In Lapland, they
generally take them with the gun or arrow.
The Kamtschatka Bear. This is an animal similar to the common
bear; but with habits much milder. It is so fond of fish, that if it
sees a net down, and the owner gone, it will drag it to the land, and
eat its contents. When a Kamtschadale sees a bear at a distance, he
o2
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. 32044024073470 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 202
THE CREATION.
seeks to conciliate him; and they are so tame, that the women and
girls will gather herbs in their sight. They have never been known
to attack a man except when asleep. What the sheep is to the
civilized world, the rein-deer to the Laplander, the buffalo to the
North American Indian, and the camel to the Arabian, such is the
bear to the Kamtschadale. --Of the skin, they make dresses, beds,
coverlids, caps, gloves, harness for their sledges, and ice shoes to
catch marine animals:--the fat supplies them with savory food
and oil to burn:--the flesh is venison to them:--the skin of the
intestines makes window panes as clear as the glass commonly
used in Moscow:--and the shoulder blades serve for scythes.
The American Bear. Like most of the quadrupeds of the New
World, this is smaller than the common bear. The Indians take
them by hunting.
The Polar Bear. This animal, whose skin is white, has its home
in the highest northern latitudes, where the cold is intense. In
length, it sometimes reaches twelve feet. The tip of the nose and
the claws are perfectly black.
These animals abound in the polar regions, and it sometimes
happens that a Greenlander, by coming too near an iceberg, finds an
unwelcome visiter spring into his boat. If the bear does not upset
it, he generally sits quietly as a passenger, and the Greenlander
gladly puts him to the shore, and they part. But, at times, these
? bears are most ferocious. In summer. they live in the ice islands,
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. 32044024073470 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? LETTER XI.
293
and they will swim several leagues from one to another. They lodge
in dens formed in vast masses of ice; and grow exceedingly fat.
The skin is valued for coverings of various kinds.
The Glutton. This singular animal is found in all the countries on
the northern ocean. In length, it is about three feet. exclusive of
the tail, which is about a foot. The name of this animal is taken
from its insatiate appetite, which nothing seems to satisfy ; and even
when it seems full, it will go on eating still until its body is distended.
The name of " glutton" is applied, in our language, to such of the
human family as follow the example of this animal. The glutton,
though so much inferior in size to the rein-deer, yet takes it by
stratagem. --He first climbs a tree, taking some moss with him.
When he sees a deer coming, he drops the moss; and if the unwary
animal approaches it, he falls on its back, and generally succeeds in
destroying its life.
The Raccoon. This singular animal is not often imported into this
country. It is an inhabitant of North America and the West India
Islands. In length, it is about two feet, from the nose to the tail.
The back is arched; the head like a fox; colour, brownish grey;
the fore legs are shorter than the hind.
The Raccoon is a sprightly sharp looking animal, feeding princi-
pally on sugar-cane, and if near the water, on shell-fish. He catches
crabs by letting his tail act the part of a fishing line ; and when he
feels a crab seize it, he jerks it out of the water. It is said, that rats
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. 32044024073470 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 294
THE CREATION.
will hardly stay In a neighbourhood where a raccoon is kept. This,
GK M. found the benefit of at R. The hatter values the raccoon
next to the beaver, for his skin. They are easily tamed.
The Badger. This animal is well known in England. It is about
two feet and a half long. It is grey above, and black beneath. In
itself, it is a harmless, inoffensive animal, living principally on roots,
&c. ; but if attacked, it is very courageous; and this has given rise
to its being baited: but this cruel inhuman sport, with its horrid
accompaniments, I am happy to say, is losing ground fast. The flesh
of the badger, when smoked, is like bacon: and the bristles of the
skin have various uses.
The Opossum. This race is peculiar for one thing, which, perhaps,
has caused them to be looked upon, both by old and young, with
great admiration. I remember, when a child, of all the plates in
our Natural History, this one was most gazed at. The females of
most of the species are furnished with a large sack or bag, for the
protection and preservation of their young: when born, the young at
once retreat into this fastness, and instantly commence sucking; and
this continues for some days, in which time they get sight, and their
hair begins to grow. When sufficiently strong to help themselves
they are born a second time as it were, and go and come to this
their strange home, until they go out into the world their own
masters.
The Virginian Opossum. This animal is about the size of a small
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. 32044024073470 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? LETTER XI.
295
cat; its colour a dingy white; the head long; the mouth wide; the
tail about a foot long, at first hairy, but afterwards covered with a
scaly skin; it can neither run or walk quickly; but climbs with
great swiftness. It is a destructive little animal to poultry, &c. ; and
like the weasel, will suck the blood of its victim without eating the
flesh; it also feeds on roots and wild fruit.
Their love of their offspring is such that no inducement would
persuade them to give them up.
The Kangaroo. Since the time of Linnasus's arrangement, the
Kangaroo has been considered a different genus from the Opossum ;
and this is strikingly observable in the legs: the fore ones being
short, and the hinder very long; but the pouch, &c. , is common to
both families.
The Great Kangaroo. Captain Cook first discovered this animal in
New Holland in 1770. It is five or six times as large as the Vir-
ginian Opossum; sometimes measuring from eight to nine feet from
the nose to the end of the tail; and some will weigh 150pounds.
The fore legs are about nineteen inches; the hinder three and a half
feet. The length of the leap of the Kangaroo is at times twenty feet;
and although it cannot run fast, yet its springs are so rapid in suc-
cession, that at times it will distance the fleetest greyhound. This
valuable animal feeds on roots, &c.
The Mole. There arc seven species of this family. Their body is
thick and somewhat cylindrical. Their snout is formed for digging.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. 32044024073470 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 296
THE CREATION.
They have no external ears; and their eyes are covered with fur.
In the upper jaw they have six teeth, in the lower eight.
The Common Mole. This laborious little animal is about five inches
long. For some time it was thought that they had no organs of
vision; but this is incorrect: its hearing is very acute. " These
animals," says Dr. Darwin, " have cities under ground, which con-
sist of houses or nests where they nurse their young. Communicating
with these houses, are broad streets, and also alleys and by-roads, with
diverging branches. " The whole family is very prolific. M. de
Buffon says he planted sixteen acres of land with acorns in 1740;
but that the moles or mice carried them nearly all away; and on his
setting traps for them, he took in three weeks 1300.
The Hedgehog. There are seven species of this genus, one of which
is found in England They are generally about ten inches long, and
of a greyish brown colour. When attacked, they roll themselves in a
ball; and if a dog takes them up, he quickly drops his prey, and will
not always resume the attack.
The hedgehog is occasionally an article of food, and is said to be
delicate. The skins, in olden days, were used as clothes brushes.
The hedgehog sleeps through the winter.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. 32044024073470 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? LETTER XI.
297
FOURTH ORDER--GLIRES.
TEN GENERA. --MANY SPECIES.
Comprtsing, principally, the Porcupine, Cavy, Beaver, Rat, Marmot, Squirrel,
Dormouse, Jerboa, and Httrc, all of which feed on vegetables.
The animals in this order hare two remarkably long front teeth,
above and below, but have no canine teeth. Their feet have claws,
and are formed both for jumping and running.
The Porcupine. Some have thought that this family should have
been classed with the hedgehog; but they have no other similarity
than the covering of the body. The porcupine has two front
teeth, that cut obliquely, both on the upper and lower jaw, and
eight grinders; and the body is covered with spines intermixed
with hair.
The Common Porcupine. The general length of this singular
animal is about two feet and a half. The upper part of the body
is covered with sharp spines, some of which are a foot long, and
some even reach eighteen inches. They are beautifully variegated
with black and white rings. The quills can be elevated or de-
pressed at pleasure; and in walking make a singular noise. The
porcupine is found in Africa and India, and, it is said, sometimes
in Italy. They live in subterranean abodes, and feed on roots.
The ancients had a strange idea concerning this animal,--that it
o3
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. 32044024073470 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 298
THE CREATION.
could shoot its arrows if attacked. Claudian has a beautiful allu-
sion to this:--
" Arm'd at all points in Nature's guardian mail,
See the stout Porcupine his foes assail;
And, urg'd to fight, the ready weapons throw;--
Himself, at once, the Quiver, Dart, and Bow. "
The natural history of this animal, however, does not support this
poet's opinion, though, in moulting time, the spines are thrown off
with great force, and in this, doubtless, the idea originated.
The porcupine is a deadly enemy to serpents. When he meets one,
he closes himself up in his coat of mail, and rolls upon his enemy with
his bristles, till it is dead.
The Cavy Tribe. Linnams arranged these animals with the
mouse family; but subsequently naturalists have wisely separated
them. There are many species of the cavy tribe. In each jaw, they
have two wedge-shaped teeth, and six grinders. The tail is very short.
The Guinea Pig. This well-known little animal is a native of the
Brazils. It is a very gentle, quiet creature; but not capable of much
affection. Their habits are remarkably cleanly; and much of their
time is spent in smoothing each other's hair. The young are able to
run about in twelve hours, and arrive at maturity in two months.
The Beaver. There are but two species in this family--the
common and the Chili ; and this latter approximates so closely to the
otter, that some have thought it ought to be arranged with that
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. 32044024073470 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? LETTER XI.
299
tribe. The beaver family have the front teeth of their upper jaw
truncated; four grinders on each side. The tail long, flat, and scaly.
The Common Beaver. These clever masons and carpenters are
natives of the most northern parts of Europe and Asia; but they
abound in North America; and there is little doubt but that, centu-
ries since, they were found in Britain; for Giraldus Cambrensis says,
that these " broad-tail'd animals " frequented the river Tivy, in Car-
diganshire : and in the reign of Howel Dda, their skins were valued
at the enormous sum of 120 pence each. This was in the tenth century.
In length, the beaver is about three feet; and the tail, which is
oval, about a foot more. The elephant, among the larger quadrupeds,
and the beaver among the lesser, are unequalled for sagacity.
The beavers live together in large families, between two and three
hundred in number, inhabiting dwellings which they build to the
height of eight feet above the water. There is a most valuable article
(too long to quote,) in Mr. Bingley's interesting work on the animal
kingdom, which you can refer to (vol. i. p. 423. ) The place they
select for their city is generally a pond: and if they cannot find one
to their liking, they choose a flat piece of ground, with a stream run-
ning through it. Capt. Cartwright says,^that the dams they form to
stop the streams, are sometimes a hundred feet long, composed of
stakes driven firmly into the ground, from five to six feet high, which
they ram so firmly down, and keep so perfectly level, that he has
frequently walked on the top as a bridge. The houses of their towns
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. 32044024073470 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 300
THE CREATION.
are constructed with the utmost ingenuity, of earth, stones, and sticks,
cemented together; and plastered on the inside with surprising neat-
ness. The number in each house is from two to twenty. They have
beds made of leaves. In the summer they leave their abodes, and have
their country-houses, sometimes here, sometimes there; but generally
under trees near the water.
The skin of this animal is very valuable, and is used by hatters;
and a good "beaver hat" cannot be equalled. The medicinal sub-
stance, called castor, which is produced by this animal, is considered
very valuable in some diseases. The Beaver is an animal of great
affection; and the utmost order seems to prevail in their little com-
munities. Two of this family were preserved in the Hudson's Bay
factory; they thrived very fast, and seemed happy; but one day one
of them was killed by accident. The survivor was inconsolable, and
after a little pined away, and died of starvation. O my beloved chil-
dren, what lessons we have before us in this little incident! How
few families live in the friendship of whole communities of the Beaver
tribe; and the man that would take and sell his fellow, after the man-
ner of the inhabitants of the southern of the United States of America,
might well go to this animal of their sister States in the North, and
learn lessons of fraternal love; for, let the white man remember that
immutable word, " God hath made of one blood all nations of men
for to dwell on all the face of the earth. " Acts xvii. 26. My dear
children, the Man-stealer and the Man-seller are surely abhorrent of God.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. 32044024073470 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? LETTER XI.
301
Beavers are sometimes found living in loneliness: these have always
a black mark on their back. Capt. Cartwright supposes that these
recluses or hermits, as they are called, are not a separate breed; but
that, having lost their mate, they are gone into solitude. If this be
the case, what an example of deep affection! *
The Rat. This family contains all those animals which go under
the name of Murine animals; and although the name Rat has been
adopted as the name of the tribe, it includes also the Musk Rat.
The Musk Rat. This animal is about the size of a small rabbit, and
is found in America, from the high north of Hudson's Bay to the
south of Carolina. In the general form of their body, as well as in
their habits, they bear a strong resemblance to the Beaver. They
also build houses; they do not lay up for the winter, but have subter-
ranean lanes to go in quest of food. This animal is remarkable for a
strong musky smell, from whence it derives its name. The flesh is
sometimes eaten, and the fur is used for hats.
? The various contrivances for building that the form of the Beaver enables
it to use, are well calculated to fill us with admiration. If you passed by their
houses and dams, and were unacquainted with their natural history, though you
might not conjecture for what purpose these singular cities were built, yet you
would say, " carpenters have been here with their hatchets and saws, and masons
with their mortar and trowels;"--and so they have j for this ingenious little archi-
tect has used most diligently his teeth as an axe and saw, and with his paws he
has made up the mortar,--his tail has been both his hod to carry it, and his trowel
to spread and smooth it.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. 32044024073470 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 302
THE CREATION.
The Brown Bat. This animal is well-known in England, and came
to us from Norway; and though it has in many places destroyed the
native race of black rats, yet he is no acceptable substitute for it,
being more fierce and voracious. When unmolested, this family so
rapidly increases, that in two years a pair might be multiplied to two
millions. But this increase is prevented, both by foreign enemies and
continual domestic broils. A large rat is as much dreaded by small
ones as any beast of prey: thus is this prolific race kept within bounds.
The Field Mouse. This little animal is well known. Although it
does not build houses as the beaver, yet it has its dwelling; but it is
more like the nest of a bird. They seem a much quieter race than
the rat.
The Harvest Mouse. This is the least of British quadrupeds; one
of them not weighing more than a halfpenny. One of our domestic
mice would outweigh them six times.
The Lemming Rat. These vary in size and colour. In Norway
they are as large as the water-rat; in Lapland much less. In Nor-
way they so abound that some of the inhabitants have thought that
they dropped from the clouds. They are very fierce; but never enter
houses.
The Hamster Bat. This singular voracious creature is found in
overwhelming numbers in some parts of Germany. It is about the
size of the large Norway rat. On each side, it has three large oval
white spots. It has, like the pelican, pouches to put by food for a
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd.
The Civet. This is a light active creature, and, in a state of nature,
very fierce. It is peculiar for the perfume which is deposited in a
kind of little pouch near the tail. The civet, though a native of
Africa and India, yet bears the cold of our climate; and great num-
bers are kept at Amsterdam, as the Dutch delight in this perfume,
which is more odoriferous than musk. As it emits it stronger when
angry, it was doubtless given to it as a protection; it being over-
powering in large quantities.
The Marten. This animal is about eighteen inches long, and
abounds in the northern regions of America, and is sometimes seen in
England. Its skin is very valuable, being of a dark chesnut colour;
and it forms an extensive article of commerce from Hudson's Bay and
Canada.
The Sable. This valuable animal inhabits the countries of North
America, Silesia, Kamtschatka, and Asiatic Russia. In size it re-
sembles the marten. The peculiarity of the sable fur is, that the hair
will turn either way. The sable hair is used by the artist for his
best brushes.
In the dark days of the Russian Empire, the captives of
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. 32044024073470 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 288
THE CREATION.
Siberia were obliged to send a return of sable skins to the
government.
The Weasel. This singular family is among the inferior beasts
of prey; though its fondness for blood is proverbial. It has a long
and slender body, with short legs; sharpened visage; and a longish
tail; six sharp cutting teeth; and the canine teeth something longer.
The Common Weasel. This animal is well known in our own
country. It is about seven inches long, exclusive of the tail; but
though so small, is as much a beast of prey as the lion. Some naturalists
have related an anecdote of an eagle who seized one of this tribe, and
mounted with it in the air, but was soon perceived to be fluttering in
pain, and at last fell to the ground:--the weasel had reached its neck,
and so bit it, that the vital blood escaped: and so the weasel got free,
and the eagle lay dead on the ground.
The Striated Weasel is a native of America. Its chief peculiarity
is the foetid smell which it has the power of emitting to an amazing
degree.
The Honey Weasel. This creature is, by its fondness for honey, a
continual enemy to bees. At sunset he watches the return of the
bee, and is also especially observant of the flight of a little bird, called
Cuculus Indicator, which acts as his pilot; and if he finds a bee's nest
any where within his reach, the prize is sure; for his skin is so tough,
that the little weapon of the bee cannot perforate it: but when the bee
builds high in a tree, the nest is safe, and the weasel gnaws the tree in
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. 32044024073470 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? LETTER XI.
289
anger. This Dr. Sparrman had from many experienced Hottentot
farmers.
The Ichneumon. This singular animal is a native of Egypt, Bar-
bary, and the Cape of Good Hope. Its length, from the nose to the
extremity of the tail, is from two to three feet: its colour is a pale reddish
grey, mottled with brown; its eyes are red; ears, naked; nose, long and
slender; tail, tufted at the end; hair, coarse; legs, short. In Egypt, the
Ichneumon is justly esteemed, as an especial blessing, being an in-
veterate enemy to the crocodile, serpents, and all noxious reptiles. It
even attacks that most dreaded enemy to man, the Hooded Snake, and
if wounded, retires, it is said, to some medicinal herbs in nature's great
dispensary, and returns to the attack; and is almost always victorious.
It glides about on the ground like a serpent, and springs always at
the throat; and as Lucan eloquently describes it,
" The gasping snake expires beneath the wound;
His gushing jaws with pois'nous floods abound,
And shed the fruitless mischief on the ground. "
The Ichneumon is easily domesticated; and in Egypt is like the
cat in a house.
The Ferret. This destructive little animal came originally from
Africa, but is now naturalized in England. Like others of the weasel
family, it emits a very foetid smell, if angry. It is generally from
ten inches to a foot in length; the white individuals have red eyes.
o
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. 32044024073470 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 290
THE CREATION.
The Stoat, or Ermine. This beautiful little creature, whose fur is
used by royalty, for its richest robes, is found in the north. Its coat,
in the summer, is brown; but when winter comes, then it changes its
colour; and this is the season in which it is sought for, being then pure
white.
The Otter. The animals of this family have all webbed feet, and
live near the water; they prey almost entirely on fish--thus their
homes are generally by the banks of rivers. The otter is a native of
almost all parts of Europe, and is still found, though rarely, in
England. The body of the otter is long and round; the legs are so
placed as to be capable of being brought into a line with the body;
and thus, in swimming, they act as fins. The otter seems the link
between the seal and the quadruped.
The otter is capable of being tamed, and then is employed to fish
for his master. " I have seen," says Dr. Goldsmith, " an otter go at
the word of command--drive the fish to the extremity of the pond;
and bring out the largest, and lay it at its master's feet. "
The Sea Otter. This animal is found near the Straits of Behring,
which divide Asia from America. In length it is about four feet.
Of all the great family of this day's creation, none are so attached to
their young. It is even said, that when deprived of them, they will
starve to death, and try to breathe their last where their young have
been destroyed. As I have before remarked, my dear children, the
contemplation of the animal creation abounds with instruction to us.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. 32044024073470 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? LETTER XI.
291
The Bear. The bear has six front teeth in each jaw. It has also
five or six grinders on each side; but the canine teeth are solitary.
The tongue is smooth, and the snout prominent. The eyes are
furnished with a winking membrane. Some of this family use their
fore paws as hands; and they all climb.
The Common Bear. This animal is found in the Northern king-
doms of Europe; and also in some of the Indian Islands. They
vary in colour; some being black, some brown, and others grey.
The black live principally on animal food : and the brown on
vegetable: but all of them are passionately fond of honey; and as
they can climb well, they frequently plunder the wild hives. The
affection between the mother and cub is proverbial in this family.
No sooner is the latter wounded, than, like the lioness, the she-bear
becomes infuriate; and seizes the enemy, if within reach, and
squeezes him to death. Should the mother be wounded, the young
do not flee from her; but stay around, moaning piteously, and share
her fate.
The modes of catching bears are very varied, and some of them
very barbarous, especially in Russia and Siberia. In Lapland, they
generally take them with the gun or arrow.
The Kamtschatka Bear. This is an animal similar to the common
bear; but with habits much milder. It is so fond of fish, that if it
sees a net down, and the owner gone, it will drag it to the land, and
eat its contents. When a Kamtschadale sees a bear at a distance, he
o2
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. 32044024073470 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 202
THE CREATION.
seeks to conciliate him; and they are so tame, that the women and
girls will gather herbs in their sight. They have never been known
to attack a man except when asleep. What the sheep is to the
civilized world, the rein-deer to the Laplander, the buffalo to the
North American Indian, and the camel to the Arabian, such is the
bear to the Kamtschadale. --Of the skin, they make dresses, beds,
coverlids, caps, gloves, harness for their sledges, and ice shoes to
catch marine animals:--the fat supplies them with savory food
and oil to burn:--the flesh is venison to them:--the skin of the
intestines makes window panes as clear as the glass commonly
used in Moscow:--and the shoulder blades serve for scythes.
The American Bear. Like most of the quadrupeds of the New
World, this is smaller than the common bear. The Indians take
them by hunting.
The Polar Bear. This animal, whose skin is white, has its home
in the highest northern latitudes, where the cold is intense. In
length, it sometimes reaches twelve feet. The tip of the nose and
the claws are perfectly black.
These animals abound in the polar regions, and it sometimes
happens that a Greenlander, by coming too near an iceberg, finds an
unwelcome visiter spring into his boat. If the bear does not upset
it, he generally sits quietly as a passenger, and the Greenlander
gladly puts him to the shore, and they part. But, at times, these
? bears are most ferocious. In summer. they live in the ice islands,
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. 32044024073470 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? LETTER XI.
293
and they will swim several leagues from one to another. They lodge
in dens formed in vast masses of ice; and grow exceedingly fat.
The skin is valued for coverings of various kinds.
The Glutton. This singular animal is found in all the countries on
the northern ocean. In length, it is about three feet. exclusive of
the tail, which is about a foot. The name of this animal is taken
from its insatiate appetite, which nothing seems to satisfy ; and even
when it seems full, it will go on eating still until its body is distended.
The name of " glutton" is applied, in our language, to such of the
human family as follow the example of this animal. The glutton,
though so much inferior in size to the rein-deer, yet takes it by
stratagem. --He first climbs a tree, taking some moss with him.
When he sees a deer coming, he drops the moss; and if the unwary
animal approaches it, he falls on its back, and generally succeeds in
destroying its life.
The Raccoon. This singular animal is not often imported into this
country. It is an inhabitant of North America and the West India
Islands. In length, it is about two feet, from the nose to the tail.
The back is arched; the head like a fox; colour, brownish grey;
the fore legs are shorter than the hind.
The Raccoon is a sprightly sharp looking animal, feeding princi-
pally on sugar-cane, and if near the water, on shell-fish. He catches
crabs by letting his tail act the part of a fishing line ; and when he
feels a crab seize it, he jerks it out of the water. It is said, that rats
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. 32044024073470 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 294
THE CREATION.
will hardly stay In a neighbourhood where a raccoon is kept. This,
GK M. found the benefit of at R. The hatter values the raccoon
next to the beaver, for his skin. They are easily tamed.
The Badger. This animal is well known in England. It is about
two feet and a half long. It is grey above, and black beneath. In
itself, it is a harmless, inoffensive animal, living principally on roots,
&c. ; but if attacked, it is very courageous; and this has given rise
to its being baited: but this cruel inhuman sport, with its horrid
accompaniments, I am happy to say, is losing ground fast. The flesh
of the badger, when smoked, is like bacon: and the bristles of the
skin have various uses.
The Opossum. This race is peculiar for one thing, which, perhaps,
has caused them to be looked upon, both by old and young, with
great admiration. I remember, when a child, of all the plates in
our Natural History, this one was most gazed at. The females of
most of the species are furnished with a large sack or bag, for the
protection and preservation of their young: when born, the young at
once retreat into this fastness, and instantly commence sucking; and
this continues for some days, in which time they get sight, and their
hair begins to grow. When sufficiently strong to help themselves
they are born a second time as it were, and go and come to this
their strange home, until they go out into the world their own
masters.
The Virginian Opossum. This animal is about the size of a small
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. 32044024073470 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? LETTER XI.
295
cat; its colour a dingy white; the head long; the mouth wide; the
tail about a foot long, at first hairy, but afterwards covered with a
scaly skin; it can neither run or walk quickly; but climbs with
great swiftness. It is a destructive little animal to poultry, &c. ; and
like the weasel, will suck the blood of its victim without eating the
flesh; it also feeds on roots and wild fruit.
Their love of their offspring is such that no inducement would
persuade them to give them up.
The Kangaroo. Since the time of Linnasus's arrangement, the
Kangaroo has been considered a different genus from the Opossum ;
and this is strikingly observable in the legs: the fore ones being
short, and the hinder very long; but the pouch, &c. , is common to
both families.
The Great Kangaroo. Captain Cook first discovered this animal in
New Holland in 1770. It is five or six times as large as the Vir-
ginian Opossum; sometimes measuring from eight to nine feet from
the nose to the end of the tail; and some will weigh 150pounds.
The fore legs are about nineteen inches; the hinder three and a half
feet. The length of the leap of the Kangaroo is at times twenty feet;
and although it cannot run fast, yet its springs are so rapid in suc-
cession, that at times it will distance the fleetest greyhound. This
valuable animal feeds on roots, &c.
The Mole. There arc seven species of this family. Their body is
thick and somewhat cylindrical. Their snout is formed for digging.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. 32044024073470 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 296
THE CREATION.
They have no external ears; and their eyes are covered with fur.
In the upper jaw they have six teeth, in the lower eight.
The Common Mole. This laborious little animal is about five inches
long. For some time it was thought that they had no organs of
vision; but this is incorrect: its hearing is very acute. " These
animals," says Dr. Darwin, " have cities under ground, which con-
sist of houses or nests where they nurse their young. Communicating
with these houses, are broad streets, and also alleys and by-roads, with
diverging branches. " The whole family is very prolific. M. de
Buffon says he planted sixteen acres of land with acorns in 1740;
but that the moles or mice carried them nearly all away; and on his
setting traps for them, he took in three weeks 1300.
The Hedgehog. There are seven species of this genus, one of which
is found in England They are generally about ten inches long, and
of a greyish brown colour. When attacked, they roll themselves in a
ball; and if a dog takes them up, he quickly drops his prey, and will
not always resume the attack.
The hedgehog is occasionally an article of food, and is said to be
delicate. The skins, in olden days, were used as clothes brushes.
The hedgehog sleeps through the winter.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. 32044024073470 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? LETTER XI.
297
FOURTH ORDER--GLIRES.
TEN GENERA. --MANY SPECIES.
Comprtsing, principally, the Porcupine, Cavy, Beaver, Rat, Marmot, Squirrel,
Dormouse, Jerboa, and Httrc, all of which feed on vegetables.
The animals in this order hare two remarkably long front teeth,
above and below, but have no canine teeth. Their feet have claws,
and are formed both for jumping and running.
The Porcupine. Some have thought that this family should have
been classed with the hedgehog; but they have no other similarity
than the covering of the body. The porcupine has two front
teeth, that cut obliquely, both on the upper and lower jaw, and
eight grinders; and the body is covered with spines intermixed
with hair.
The Common Porcupine. The general length of this singular
animal is about two feet and a half. The upper part of the body
is covered with sharp spines, some of which are a foot long, and
some even reach eighteen inches. They are beautifully variegated
with black and white rings. The quills can be elevated or de-
pressed at pleasure; and in walking make a singular noise. The
porcupine is found in Africa and India, and, it is said, sometimes
in Italy. They live in subterranean abodes, and feed on roots.
The ancients had a strange idea concerning this animal,--that it
o3
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. 32044024073470 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 298
THE CREATION.
could shoot its arrows if attacked. Claudian has a beautiful allu-
sion to this:--
" Arm'd at all points in Nature's guardian mail,
See the stout Porcupine his foes assail;
And, urg'd to fight, the ready weapons throw;--
Himself, at once, the Quiver, Dart, and Bow. "
The natural history of this animal, however, does not support this
poet's opinion, though, in moulting time, the spines are thrown off
with great force, and in this, doubtless, the idea originated.
The porcupine is a deadly enemy to serpents. When he meets one,
he closes himself up in his coat of mail, and rolls upon his enemy with
his bristles, till it is dead.
The Cavy Tribe. Linnams arranged these animals with the
mouse family; but subsequently naturalists have wisely separated
them. There are many species of the cavy tribe. In each jaw, they
have two wedge-shaped teeth, and six grinders. The tail is very short.
The Guinea Pig. This well-known little animal is a native of the
Brazils. It is a very gentle, quiet creature; but not capable of much
affection. Their habits are remarkably cleanly; and much of their
time is spent in smoothing each other's hair. The young are able to
run about in twelve hours, and arrive at maturity in two months.
The Beaver. There are but two species in this family--the
common and the Chili ; and this latter approximates so closely to the
otter, that some have thought it ought to be arranged with that
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. 32044024073470 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? LETTER XI.
299
tribe. The beaver family have the front teeth of their upper jaw
truncated; four grinders on each side. The tail long, flat, and scaly.
The Common Beaver. These clever masons and carpenters are
natives of the most northern parts of Europe and Asia; but they
abound in North America; and there is little doubt but that, centu-
ries since, they were found in Britain; for Giraldus Cambrensis says,
that these " broad-tail'd animals " frequented the river Tivy, in Car-
diganshire : and in the reign of Howel Dda, their skins were valued
at the enormous sum of 120 pence each. This was in the tenth century.
In length, the beaver is about three feet; and the tail, which is
oval, about a foot more. The elephant, among the larger quadrupeds,
and the beaver among the lesser, are unequalled for sagacity.
The beavers live together in large families, between two and three
hundred in number, inhabiting dwellings which they build to the
height of eight feet above the water. There is a most valuable article
(too long to quote,) in Mr. Bingley's interesting work on the animal
kingdom, which you can refer to (vol. i. p. 423. ) The place they
select for their city is generally a pond: and if they cannot find one
to their liking, they choose a flat piece of ground, with a stream run-
ning through it. Capt. Cartwright says,^that the dams they form to
stop the streams, are sometimes a hundred feet long, composed of
stakes driven firmly into the ground, from five to six feet high, which
they ram so firmly down, and keep so perfectly level, that he has
frequently walked on the top as a bridge. The houses of their towns
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. 32044024073470 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 300
THE CREATION.
are constructed with the utmost ingenuity, of earth, stones, and sticks,
cemented together; and plastered on the inside with surprising neat-
ness. The number in each house is from two to twenty. They have
beds made of leaves. In the summer they leave their abodes, and have
their country-houses, sometimes here, sometimes there; but generally
under trees near the water.
The skin of this animal is very valuable, and is used by hatters;
and a good "beaver hat" cannot be equalled. The medicinal sub-
stance, called castor, which is produced by this animal, is considered
very valuable in some diseases. The Beaver is an animal of great
affection; and the utmost order seems to prevail in their little com-
munities. Two of this family were preserved in the Hudson's Bay
factory; they thrived very fast, and seemed happy; but one day one
of them was killed by accident. The survivor was inconsolable, and
after a little pined away, and died of starvation. O my beloved chil-
dren, what lessons we have before us in this little incident! How
few families live in the friendship of whole communities of the Beaver
tribe; and the man that would take and sell his fellow, after the man-
ner of the inhabitants of the southern of the United States of America,
might well go to this animal of their sister States in the North, and
learn lessons of fraternal love; for, let the white man remember that
immutable word, " God hath made of one blood all nations of men
for to dwell on all the face of the earth. " Acts xvii. 26. My dear
children, the Man-stealer and the Man-seller are surely abhorrent of God.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. 32044024073470 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? LETTER XI.
301
Beavers are sometimes found living in loneliness: these have always
a black mark on their back. Capt. Cartwright supposes that these
recluses or hermits, as they are called, are not a separate breed; but
that, having lost their mate, they are gone into solitude. If this be
the case, what an example of deep affection! *
The Rat. This family contains all those animals which go under
the name of Murine animals; and although the name Rat has been
adopted as the name of the tribe, it includes also the Musk Rat.
The Musk Rat. This animal is about the size of a small rabbit, and
is found in America, from the high north of Hudson's Bay to the
south of Carolina. In the general form of their body, as well as in
their habits, they bear a strong resemblance to the Beaver. They
also build houses; they do not lay up for the winter, but have subter-
ranean lanes to go in quest of food. This animal is remarkable for a
strong musky smell, from whence it derives its name. The flesh is
sometimes eaten, and the fur is used for hats.
? The various contrivances for building that the form of the Beaver enables
it to use, are well calculated to fill us with admiration. If you passed by their
houses and dams, and were unacquainted with their natural history, though you
might not conjecture for what purpose these singular cities were built, yet you
would say, " carpenters have been here with their hatchets and saws, and masons
with their mortar and trowels;"--and so they have j for this ingenious little archi-
tect has used most diligently his teeth as an axe and saw, and with his paws he
has made up the mortar,--his tail has been both his hod to carry it, and his trowel
to spread and smooth it.
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd. 32044024073470 Public Domain, Google-digitized / http://www. hathitrust. org/access_use#pd-google
? 302
THE CREATION.
The Brown Bat. This animal is well-known in England, and came
to us from Norway; and though it has in many places destroyed the
native race of black rats, yet he is no acceptable substitute for it,
being more fierce and voracious. When unmolested, this family so
rapidly increases, that in two years a pair might be multiplied to two
millions. But this increase is prevented, both by foreign enemies and
continual domestic broils. A large rat is as much dreaded by small
ones as any beast of prey: thus is this prolific race kept within bounds.
The Field Mouse. This little animal is well known. Although it
does not build houses as the beaver, yet it has its dwelling; but it is
more like the nest of a bird. They seem a much quieter race than
the rat.
The Harvest Mouse. This is the least of British quadrupeds; one
of them not weighing more than a halfpenny. One of our domestic
mice would outweigh them six times.
The Lemming Rat. These vary in size and colour. In Norway
they are as large as the water-rat; in Lapland much less. In Nor-
way they so abound that some of the inhabitants have thought that
they dropped from the clouds. They are very fierce; but never enter
houses.
The Hamster Bat. This singular voracious creature is found in
overwhelming numbers in some parts of Germany. It is about the
size of the large Norway rat. On each side, it has three large oval
white spots. It has, like the pelican, pouches to put by food for a
? ? Generated for (University of Chicago) on 2014-12-24 14:34 GMT / http://hdl. handle. net/2027/hvd.
