3 9Sl mt ■■ / "V H. THB STEPPING STONE ^•ximl iistorg. Iy)Ni>ON : Printed by Spottiswoode & Co., New-Street-Square. ORDER I. BIMANA. 5. ETHlOPliN. THE STEPPING STONE TO VERTEBRATE OR BACK-BONED ANIMALS. VIZ. MAMMALIA, BIRDS, REPTILES, KM FISHES BY JAMES OWEN. LONDON: LONGMAN, BROWN, GREEN, AND LONGMANS. 18.56. PREFATORY NOTE. In the preparation of this little work, the com- piler has to acknowledge the invaluable assistance he has derived from " Maunder's Treasury of Natural History, " a book of unquestionable excellence and usefulness, which should be in the hands of every young Naturalist. ▲ 2 2091 099 CONTEiSITS. Introduction CLASS I. Suckling Animals Order 1. Two-handed Animals 2. Four-handed Animals 3. Clawed Quadrupeds Viz, Sub-order 1. Bats 2. Insect-eaters 3. Flesh-eaters 4. Pouched Animals 5. Gnawing Animals 6. Toothless Animals 7. Thick-skinned Animals 8. Ruminating Animals 9. Whales, Dolphins, &c. Page 7 {MAMMALIA) 13 (BniANA) 16 (QuADRrMANA) 21 (Carnaria) 27 (Cheiroptera) 28 (Insectivora) 29 (Carnivora) 32 (Marsupialia) 50 (Rodentia) 52 (Edentata) 59 (Paciiydermata) 61 (Rcmixantia) 73 (Cetacea) 94 VI CONTENTS. Page CLASS 11. Birds {AVES) 103 Order 1. Birds of Prey (ACCIPITRES) 108 2. Perching Birds (Insessores) 115 3. Climbing Birds (SCANSORES) 125 4. Scratching Birds (Rasores) 129 5. Running Birds (CURSORES) 134 6. Wading Birds (Grallatores) 137 7- Swimming Birds (Natatores) 141 CLASS III. ReptUes (REPTILIA) 146 Order 1. Tortoises and Turtles (Chelonia) 148 2. Lizards (Saukia) 150 3. Serpents (Ophidia) 156 4. Frogs, Toads, &c. (Batrachia) 163 CLASS IV. Fishes (PISCES) 168 Order 1. Spiny-finned Fishes (ACAKTHOPTERYGIl] I 172 2. Soft-Finned Fishes ( Malacopterygii) 175 3. Tuft-gilled Fishes (LOPHOBRANCHIl) 185 4. Plaited-jawed Fishes (Plectognathi) 185 5. Cartilaginous Fishes (Chondroptertgii) 186 Vll ILLUSTRATIONS. Plate 1 1 Frontispiece. 2 - - . to face page 9 3 w 21 4 . - . »» 28 5 - - . >» 50 6 - - . >» 69 7 - - . ■ » 77 8 - - . ' » 108 9 - . . * » 115 10 ■ »> 134 11 - - . * »> 148 12 - - . ' »5 172 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. PART I. INTRODUCTION. Q. What is that Science called which imparts to us a knowledge of the Works of Nature ? A. Natural History. Q. What is meant by the Works of Nature ? A. All things created by God. Q. Into how many great divisions is it usual to distribute those Works of Nature which relate to the world in which we live ? A. Three ; viz., the Animal, Vegetable, and Mineral Kingdoms. Q. Which of these do we now propose to in- quire into ? A. The Animal Kingdom. A 4 8 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. By what name is this study commonly called ? A. Zoology, a term derived from two Greek words signifying a "Discourse on Ani- Q" Of what does the Animal Kingdom consist ? A. Of all creatures having a mouth to receive their food, and a stomach to digest it ? * Q. How many different species of animals are supposed to exist in our world ? A. They have been estimated at about 600,000 of which Vertebrated animals number 17,500 species, and Insects 550,000 species. Q. In what way are the different animals which compose the Animal Kingdom arranged by naturalists ? A. They are placed in groups of such as bear the nearest likeness to each other in their for- mation, habits, and instincts. Q. What are these groups termed ? A. Sub -Kingdoms, Classes, Orders, Genera, and Species. Q. Of how many Sub-Kingdoms or principal groups does this arrangement consist ? A. Of four : viz. * It will be for the teacher to give examples of excep- tions to tho definitions in this work. INTRODUCTION. 9 1. Back-boned animals. (Vertebrata.) 2. External jointed animals. (Articulata.) 3. Soft-bodied animals. (Mollusca.) 4. Rayed animals. (Radiata.) Q. What is the meaning of Vertebrata ? A. Animals having a back-bone ( termed the Spinal column) consisting of a number of separate pieces of bone having a hole through the centre of each, in which is con- tained the Spinal marrow. Q. What are those separate pieces called ? A. Vertebras. Q. What bones are joined to the Vertebral column or back-bone ? A. The breast bones or ribs which pass off on either side, the skull, the bones of the arms, and the bones of the pelvis, to which the leg bones are in most cases attached by means of a ball and socket joint. Q. Do the extremities or instruments of motion retain the same form in all Vertebrated animals? A. No ; they vary according to their modes of life. Q. Mention some instances of this ? A. The arms of man correspond to the fore-legs of quadrupeds, to the wings of birds, to the fore-feet of reptiles, and to the pectoral fins of fishes. 10 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. Do the limbs of all vertebrate animals oc- cupy similar positions ? A. Yes ; invariably so. (Plate 2.) Q. Where are the arms of a man, the fore-legs of a quadruped, and the wings of a bird placed ? A. They are always attached to the breast. Q. To what are the legs of a man, the legs of a bird, and the hind legs of a quadruped attached ? A. To the pelvis. Q. In what part of Vertebrated animals are the organs of sight, hearing, taste, and smell situated ? A. In the head. Q. What is the colour of the blood of Vertebrated animals ? A. Red. Q. Are the bones of Vertebrated animals visible to the naked eye ? A. No, they are hidden by a covering of flesh. Q. What is the meaning of Articulata, the name given to the second primary division of the Animal Kingdom ? A. Animals whose bodies and legs consist of several joints or rings inclosed in a hardened skin or tegumentary skeleton ; as, lobsters, crabs, beetles, spiders, earthworms, &c. INTRODUCTION. 11 Q. Have Vertebrated and Articulated animals an equal number of jaws ? A. No ; the former have one pair only, while the latter have several. Q. What kind of movement have they in each case? A. Those of the Vertebrata open vertically or upwards and downwards ; while those of the Articulata open laterally or sideways. Q. Do Articulated animals possess the senses of sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell ? A. Yes, they are all more or less developed, but that of smell possibly least of all. Q. How many legs have the Articulata ? A. Seldom less than six, and often many more. Q. What is the colour of their blood ? A. White. Q. Are Articulated animals rapid in their move- ments ? A. Many of them are remarkably so ; as Bees, Flies, and Beetles. Q. Is not the Common Housefly an instance of this? A. Yes ; it has been observed to fly at the rate of about twenty-four mi^es an hour. Q. What is to be understood by the term " Mol- lusca, " the name given to the third Sub- Kingdom of the Animal world ? A. Animals with soft slimy bodies, (some of 12 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. which form for themselves shells in which they live), but not having either internal ver- tebrated or external articulated skeletons. Q. Where are Molluscous animals generally found ? A. They are most abundant in seas, rivers, lakes, and ponds, and some are found in woods, fields, and gardens. Q. By what names are they best known ? A. Snails, slugs, oysters, cockles, mussels &c. Q. Being destitute of legs, in what way do they travel from place to place ? A. By means of alternate contractions and elongations of their bodies. Q. On what do they principally subsist ? A. On both animal and vegetable substances. Q. What is the fourth great division of the Animal Kingdom called ? A Radiata ; the animals comprehended in this group being termed " Radiated Animals." Q. What is meant by " Radiated Animals " ? A. Such as have their organs of sensation and motion disposed like rays round a common centre ; as star-fishes, corals, 8ec. Q. Which division of Radiated Animals is usually regarded as the connecting link between the Animal and Vegetable world ? A. The Zoophytes or Plant- Animals. VERTEBRATED ANIMALS. 13 VERTEBRATED OR BACK-BONED ANIMALS. Q. Into how many classes are Vertebrated ani- mals generally divided ? A. Into four ; although some naturalists form a fifth class, termed Amphibia, by separating the Frogs and Toads or Batrachians from the Reptiles. Q. Name the four Classes. A. Mammalia, Birds, Reptiles, and Fishes. Class I. Suckling Animals (Mammalia). Q. To what kind of animals is the term "Mam- malia " applied ? A. To warm-red-blooded animals which bring forth their young alive, and rear them by suckling ; they are said to be viviparous. Q. Is this invariably the case ? A. Not exactly ; for the Pouched Animals (Mar- supialia) and some Reptiles are Ovo-vivi- parous. Q. What is meant by Ovo-viviparous ? A. Animals whose young are produced from eggs which are hatched within the body, and the young excluded alive. Q. How may Mammalia be arranged ? A. In two divisions ; viz. Ungulated and Ungui- culated animals. 14 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATUEAL HISTORY. Q. What are we to understand by Ungulated animals ? A. Such as are furnished with hoofs to their feet. Q. What are termed Unguiculated animals ? A. Those having claws. Q. What kind of food is most natural to hoofed animals ? A. Vegetable food. Q. What is the natural food of Clawed animals ? A. Vegetable and animal substances. Q. As the Cetacea, or Whale tribe have neither hoofs nor claws, can they properly be in- cluded in either of the divisions above named ? A. No, yet from their carnivorous habits they are usually classed with the Unguiculated or clawed animals. Q. In what way can we ascertain the sort of food best adapted to different animals ? A. By the peculiar structure and arrangement of the teeth. Q. How many kinds of teeth are there ? A. Three. Q. What are they called ? A. Incisors, Canines, and Molars. Q. Which are called Incisors ? A. The front or cutting teeth. SUCKLING ANIMALS. l5 Q. Which are the Canines or Dog-teeth ? A. The sharp-pointed teeth placed generally on each side the Incisors. Q. For what are they peculiarly adapted ? A. Tearing or holding. Q. Which are the Molars ? A. Those situated farthest back in the jaw. Q. By what other name are they called ? A. Grinders ; their use being to grind the food. Q. How are the grinders of hoofed animals formed ? A. They are flattened at the top, with little ridges produced by the wearing away of the softer portions. Q. Are the teeth of Clawed animals of the same description ? A. No, they vary considerably ; some being like the teeth of a saw, others having raised conical points, and a third having little rounded knobs or eminences. Q. Are Mammalia usually arranged by Natura- lists in these two divisions of Ungulated and Unguiculated animals ? A. No ; they are generally distributed into nine orders. Q. What are they named ? A. 1. Two-handed Animals. (Bimana.) 2. Four-handed Animals. ( Quadrumana.) 3. Clawed Animals. (Carnaria,) 16 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY 4. Pouched Animals. (Marsupialia.) 5. Gnawing Animals. (Rodentia.) 6. Toothless Animals. (^Edentata.) 7. Thick-Skinned Animals. {Pachydermata.) 8. Ruminating Animals. {Ruminantia.) 9. Whales, Dolphins, &c. {Cetacea.) ORDER 1. Two-handed Animals. (Bimana). Q. What is understood by the term Bimana ? A. Two-handed ; and is applicable alone to man, who is pre-eminently the head of the animal creation. Q. W^hy is this high and honourable position assigned to man ? A. Because he is endowed with reason in contra- distinction to mere instinct and is susceptible of the highest mental culture. He is the only creature that walks naturally in an erect position. Q. What animals approach nearest to the human race A. The Monkey tribes. Q. Is an upright position natural to these animals when walking ? A. No : they need additional support. Q. In what way do they indicate the necessity of this ? A. By invariably grasping with their fore ex- tremities anything within their reach. TTV'O-HANDED ANllIALS. 17 Q. Can men walk easily or rapidly on their hands and feet ? A. Certainly not ; it is a most unnatural position for the human body. Q. Are not the wisdom and goodness of the Creator wonderfully manifested in this peculiarity of our race ? A. Undoubtedly it is ; as the upper extremities or hands are left at perfect liberty to obey the dictates of the will. Q. Would not our very existence become bur- densome if deprived of this invaluable bles- sing ? A. Yes ; we should be reduced to the greatest straits, and probably be soon exterminated from the face of the earth. Q. Is man superior in physical strength and agility to the rest of the animal creation ? A. No ; to many he is confessedly inferior, as, for instance, the lion, tiger, elephant, horse, antelope, &c. Q. Then by what means is he enabled to assert his supremacy ? A. By the nobler powers of his mind, or reason- ing faculties, which enable him to think, plan, and act ; and thus by his inventive genius compensate for his deficiencies in other respects. B 18 THE STEPPING STOXE TO NATURAL HISTOPwY. Q. How does man communicate his thoughts to his fellow man ? A. By the utterance of articulate sounds ; or what is called language. Q. Have not most animals the power of making themselves understood by their own species by peculiar cries ? A. Yes ; but they cannot naturally utter arti- culate sounds. Q. What is considered the ordinary duration of human life ? A. Seventy years ; although in the earlier ages of the world it was prolonged far beyond that. Q. How many varieties are there of the human species ? A. Five. Q. By what peculiarities are they chiefly dis- tinguished from one another ? A. The form of the skull, the quality of the hair, the expression of the countenance, and the colour of the skin. Q. What are the names under which these five divisions of the human family are classified? A. 1. Caucasian; 2. Mongolian ; 3. American ; 4. Malay ; 5. Ethiopic. Q. Which of these holds the highest rank among the peoples of the world? A. The Caucasian ; distinguished for their high TWO-HANDED ANIMALS. 19 intellectual endowments, enterprising habits, and physical beauty. Q. What are their prevailing features ? A. Rounded oval skulls ; fine, long, and some- times curly hair ; and the colour of" the skin varying from white to brown of every tint. Q. What countries do they inhabit ? A. Europe, Western Asia, Northern and Eastern Africa, and Hindostan, Q. What are the distinguishing characteristics of the Mongolian race ? A. Square or oblong skull; flat face with high cheek-bones ; straight, long, and thin black hair ; and the skin of a dingy yellow colour, Q. What countries do they occupy ? A. Northern and Eastern Asia ; comprising the Mongol-Tartars, Turks, Chinese, and most of the tribes of the Polar regions. Q. What are the principal features of the Ame- rican race ? A. The skull is lon^OK.) SlB-dUhKU 2. Ckbid.i .sti;-iii:i)|.;ic 3. Lkmikid.k. BOWTJN'G MOKKET. — (UTCZTES URSINaS.) FXVINO LEMOR 'v'D T0T3SO (f»iLEO?lrHKCC3 VOLiNS.I W^ITH THE KRONT PART OF THE SK~Lt. FOUR-HANDED ANIMALS. 21 dience to his will, and the proper use and admiration of his j>lorious works. ORDER 2. Four-handed Animals. (Quad- RUMANA.) Q. What is meant by Quadrumana, the name given to the Second Order of Mammalia ? A. Four-handed ; and it is applied to animals, the extremities of whose limbs resemble the human hand. Q. For what are these animals remarkable ? A. Their power of grasping or clinging ; so that they can climb with ease and rapidity. Q. How is this Order further sub-divided ? A. Into three groups ; viz., 1. Monkeys of the Old World. {SimiadcB.) 2. Monkeys of America. (^Cehidce.) 3. Monkeys of Madagascar. {Lemuridce.) Q. What are the distinguishing features of the Simiada3 ? A. The closeness of the apertures of the nostrils, ten molar teeth in each jaw, and tails, when present, never prehensile. Q. Wherein do tlie Cebidos differ from the Simiadai? A. The apertures of the nostrils are wide apart ; they have twelve molar teoth in each jaw, and generally long prehensile tails. B 3 22 THE STEPPING STOKE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. By what are the Lemuridos known ? A. By their long triangular shaped heads, sharp pointed muzzle, bush}'- tails, and opposable thumbs on each of their feet. Q. What are the Simiadce or Monkeys cf the Old World termed ? A. Apes, Baboons, and Monkeys. Q. What are Apes ? A. Monkeys not having either tails or cheek- pouches. Q. What is meant by " Cheek-pouches " ? A. Kollow places in the cheeks used as a tempo- rary receptacle for food. Q. Do not Apes approach nearest in their struc- ture to the human species ? A. Yes ; particularly the Chimpanzee and Ou- rang-Outang. Q. Where are Apes most numerous ? A. In the great forests of India, Africa, and the larger islands of the Indian Ocean. Q. How do they live ? A. Generally in troops in the trees, feeding on fruits, insects, leaves, &c. Q. Have not Apes very long arms ? A. Yes ; when standing on their hind legs, they can nearly touch the ground with their arms. Q. Why is it that they cannot stand firmly and securely on their hind legs ? A. Because they tread on the outer edges of FOUR-HANDED ANDIALS. 23 their feet, are not able to place the sole flatly on the earth as men do, and they have no heel. Q. What is the general disposition of these animals when adult ? A. They are mostly fierce and untractable. Q. What are Baboons ? A. Large dog-faced looking animals, having cheek-pouches and short tails. Q. What is their general character ? A. They are wild, mischievous, and wantonly cruel ; and are likewise most filthy and dis- gusting in their habits. Q. Is it possible to tame them ? A. No ; and their vicious propensities become more strongly developed the older they grow. Q. Are they not notorious thieves ? A. Yes ; they assemble in large numbers, and go about plundering fields and gardens. Q. On what do they principally subsist ? A. Roots, berries, eggs, insects, &c. Q. Which species are most remarkable ? A. The Derrias, Chacma or Pig-faced, and Man- dril or Variegated Baboon. Q. What countries do they inhabit ? A. Arabia, Abyssinia, Guinea, and the Cape of Good Hope, B 4 24 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. Wherein do ]\Ionkeys differ from Apes ? A. They have cheek-pouches, long tails, and cal- losities on the hinder parts. Q. What is meant by " Callosities" ? A. Hard horny substances, formed in the skin af- fording protection to parts constantly in use. Q. Are not Monkeys much smaller than either Apes or Baboons ? A. Yes ; they are also exceedingly lively and amusing in their habits, and are much more docile and tractable. Q. Are they not very sociable animals ? A. Yes ; they flock together in large numbers. Q. "Will the different species associate together ? A. No ; each species resists the intrusion of any other. Q. Do they not manifest an extreme fondness for their young? A. Yes ; they not only evince towards them the most unbounded affection, but are at great pains to instruct tliem in all that is neces- sary for their future well-being ; and are even said to correct them when they are obstinate. Q. On what do they chiefly live ? A. Nuts, fruits, buds of trees, juicy roots, and plants. Q. Are not some species fond of shell-fish ? A. Yes ; and oysters and crabs are especial fa- vourites. FOUR-HANDED ANIMALS. 25 Q. In what way do they manage to extract the oyster from the shell ? A. They watch until they see the shell open, when they adroitly insert a small stone, and then easily take out the oyster. Q. Do they not display considerable cunning in catching crabs ? A. Yes ; they are said to insert their tails in the holes the crabs frequent, which the crabs soon seize, when they are immediate- ly carried to the shore and their shell quick- ly broken with stones. Q. Which are the most deadly enemies of the Monkey tribes ? A. Some of the larger species of Serpents, such as the Boa-Constrictor. Q. In what countries are Monkeys most nume- rous ? A. In Africa, where they literally swarm ; and many are also found in India and the Malay Archipelago. Q. What distiu'guishes the Cebida?, or Monkeys of America ? A. They have no cheek-pouches, nor callosities on the hinder parts, the thumbs are either part- ly or altogether absent, tliey have prehen- sile tails, and their nostrils are separated by a wide space. 26 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY, Q. AYliat are we to understand by " prehensile tails r\ A. Tails which can be twisted round anything within reach, as the branches of trees, &c. so as to obtain complete or partial support. Q. Are not the Cebidce much smaller in size than the SimiadiB? A. Yes ; and they are far more easily tamed. Q. In what part of America are they most nu- merous ? A. In the forests of South America, where they are to be met with in immense numbers. Q. Which are the most remarkable species of the CebidjE or American Monkeys? A. The Howling, Spider, and Squirrel Monkey. Q. What is the Howling Monkey ? A. A shaggy animal about the size of a fox, dis- tinguished for its extraordinary vocal abili- ties ; they meet in considerable numbers, and make the woods resound with their noc- turnal concerts. Q. How is this singular power obtained ? A. From a kind of hollow drum w^hich commu- nicates with the larynx or upper part of the windpipe, Q. What is the Spider Monkey? A. A slim little animal, without thumbs on the fore paws ; of a black or fulvous-grey colour, with the exception of the face, which CLAWED ANIMALS. 27 is flesh-coloured, and having a long prehen- sile tail. Q. How do they pass from tree to tree ? A. Attaching themselves one to another by means of their prehensile tails and fore limbs they form a kind of chain, and so hanging from the upper branch of a tree, swing until they acquire sufficient raomera- tum to reach tlie next tree. In this manner they also cross narrow streams. Q. What are the peculiarities of the third sub- division of Four-handed Mammalia or Mon- keys of Madagascar ? A. The Lemurs have a fox-like head, full bright eyes, fine glossy fur, and a handsome bushy tail. There is also the " Flying Lemur." Q. Do they possess the same mischievous propen- sities as the Simiadre and Cebidai ? A. No ; they are very quiet and inoffensive in their habits. Q. Are they not nocturnal animals ? A. Yes ; they spend the day in sleep, rolled up like a ball, but at night sally forth in quest of fruits, on which they principally subsist. ORDER 3. Clawed Animals. (Caknaria.) Q. Of what is the Carnaria or Third Order of jNEammalia composed ? A. Unguiculated or clawed.quadrupeds, furnish- ed with three sets of teeth. 28 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTOKT. Q. "What is the meaning of the word "Quad- ruped" ? A. An animal having four legs and feet. Q. Into how many subdivisions is it usual to arrange the Carnaria ? A. Into three, viz., 1. Hand- winged animals or Bats. (Cheiroptera.) 2. Insect-eaters. (Insectivora.) 3. Flesh-eaters. (Carnivora.) Q. What are the characteristics of theCheiroptera or Bats ? A. They have long fingers or toes on their fore-legs, connected with each other by a very thin skin, which also extends to the hind-legs, and by means of which they can fly in the air like a bird. Q. How are the Insectivora distinguished? A. By their elongated muzzle, short legs, conical tuberculous molar teeth, and the lower in- cisors usually long and pointed forwards. Q. What are the prevailing characteristics of the Carnivora? A. They have six incisor teeth in each jaw ; large, strong, and pointed canines on either side ; and three sorts of molar teeth. All the Carnivora possess immense muscular strength, and have formidable claws. Q. What are the Cheiroptera or Hand-winged animals called ? A. Bats. CLASS I. MAMMALIA. CLAWED ANIMALS. 29 Q. Do Bats pass the winter in a torpid state ? A. Yes ; having selected the most secluded places, (such as old towers, roofs of churches, hollows of trees), they attach themselves one to another by their hinder legs in im- mense numbers according to their species, and thus remain suspended with their heads downwards until the spring. Q. Are Bats numerous in Britain? A. There are about twenty different species common to this country ; of which the Long- eared, Barbastelle, and the Flittermouse are most remarkable. Q. Is not the Vampire Bat of South America distinguished for its blood-thirsty propen- sities ? A. Yes ; but nearly all other species are per- fectly harmless. Q. How does the Vampire make its attack ? A. It is said to fan its victim, when asleep, with its wings ; and after biting out a small piece no larger than a pin's head, to surfeit itself with the blood. Q. Do any of the Bats eat fruit ? A. Yes, the Fox- Bats of the Eastern Islands ; most of the other species are omnivorous. Q. Of what do the Insectivora, or Second Sub- division of the Carnaria consist? A. Insect-eating quadrupeds ; which are noc- turnal in their habits, and burrow in the earth. 30 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY, Q. What are animals of this kind called? A. Moles, Slirews, Hedgehogs, &c. Q. What are Moles? A. Small quadrupeds about six inches long, whose bodies are covered with a soft velvet- like fur; tliey have long pointed muzzles, and very strong claws to the fore feet, with which they make most curious excavations in the ground. Q. What is there peculiar about the fur of the Mole? A. It has the singular property of lying smooth in every direction ; so that the animal is never impeded in its movements under- ground. Q. On what do Moles feed ? A. Insects, worms, snails, frogs, mice, &c. Q. What are Shrews? A. Little mouse-like animals not quite so large as the Mole ; they have pointed muzzles, and their bodies are covered with soft silky fur. Q. Where are they mostly found ? A. In gardens, hedgerows, and woods; they also burrow in the earth. Q. On what do they live ? A. Worms, grubs, and insects. Q. Is there not an animal of this kind which burrows in the banks of streams ? A. Yes ; it is called the Water- Shrew; its fur is CLAWED ANIMALS. 3^1 of a brownish black colour, and its feet are formed for swimming. Q. What is the Hedgehog ? A. A curious little animal from eight to ten inches long, whose body is covered with sharp spines. Q. How does it resist its enemies ? A. It rolls itself up like a ball, and the little spines effectually defend it from ordinary danger. Q. Is not the Hedgehog frequently kept in houses infested with beetles and cock- roaches ? A. Yes ; these it quickly devours, as well as worms, sings, and snails. Q. Where is it generally found ? A. In the hedges, ditches, and thickets of most of the temperate countries of Europe and Asia. Q. What are the habits of this animal ? A. It sleeps during the day, and at night sallies forth in quest of prey; but passes the winter in a torpid state, rolled up like a ball in a nest of leaves and moss. Q. Is there not a little squirrel-like animal be- longing to the insect-feeding quadrupeds, called the Banxring .'* A. Yes ; it is a native of Sumatra and Java. 32 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. Of what is the Carnivora or Third Sub- division of the Order Carnaria composed ? A. Of Beasts of Prey; or those quadrupeds which live principally on flesh. Q. Why are they called " Beasts of Prey " ? A. Because their whole structure is adapted for the pursuit and destruction of living animals. Q. How many sorts of teeth have they ? A. Three, viz., Incisors, Canines, and Molars. Q. Are all the molar teeth alike ? A. No ; there are three kinds, termed P'alse, Carnivorous, and Tuberculated. Q. Which are the False molar teeth ? A. Those which immediately follow the Canine, and are more or less pointed. Q. Which are the Carnivorous molars ? A. Those next to the False molars ; they are peculiarly fitted for cutting flesh. Q. Which are the Tuberculated molars ? A. Those situated farthest back in the jaws ; they are flattened at the top, and are adapted for the mastication of vegetable food. Q. How are the Carnivora usually arranged by Naturalists ? A. Into three groups, according to their mode of locomotion. CLAWED ANIMALS. 33 Q. What are they named ? A. 1. Flat-soled walkers. (Plantigrade.) 2. Toe-walkers. (Digitigrade.) 3. Fin-footed. (Pixnagrade.) Q. What are the Plantigrade Carnivora? A. Those quadrupeds which place the sole of their feet firmly and flatly on the ground in walking, as bears, racoons, badgers, glut- tons, &c. Q. Which are termed " Digitigrade Carnivora?" A. Those quadrupeds which walk on their toes, as lions, tigers, dogs, cats, &c. Q. What are the Pinnagrade Carnivora? A. Tho.-e whose feet are formed for swimming, as seals, &c. Q. Do all the Carnivora live on flesh ? A. No ; most of the Plantigrades or Flat-soled walkers, live principally on vegetable food. Q. In w^hat other way are the Carnivorous Mammalia further sub-divided by Na- turalists? A. Into five tribes or families. Q. What are these called ? A. l.TlmCixttvibd. (Fclidcp.) l p. 2. Do- tribe. {Ca?udce.) l^^^^^Ti- 3. Weasel tribe. (3IusfelidcE.) } ^^^^e- 4. Bear tribe. {UrsidcB.) Plantigrade. 5. Seal tribe. {Phocidce.) Pinnigrade. c 34 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. What are the prominent characteristics of the FelidiE or Cat tribe ? A. They have short rounded muzzles, powerful jaws, rough tongues, strong retractile claws, and a small additional tuberculous molar tooth in the upper jaw. Q. What are the prevailing features of the Canidae or Dog tribe ? A. They have Ftrong lengthened jaws, pointed muzzle, smooth tongue, two flat tuberculous molar teeth behind the upper carnivorous tooth, and their claws are not retractile. Q. By what are the Mustelidoe or Weasel tribe distinguished ? A. By their lengthened muzzles, six incisor teeth in each jaw, smooth tongues, long slender bo- dies, short legs, and their claws not at all, or only partially retractile. Q. What are the characteristics of the Ursidse or Bear tribe ? A. They are generally thick-bodied animals of considerable size, with short tails; their claws are not retractile, and they are carni- vorous and frugivorous in their diet. Q. What are the peculiarities of the Phocidie or Seal tribe ? A. They have round heads, long conical bodies, short and webbed feet with sharp claws, no external ears, and are aquatic in their habits. CLAWED ANIMALS. 35 Q. What animals compose the Felidaa or first family of the Carnivora ? A. Digitigrade animals of the Cat tribe ; they have short powerful jaws, and retractile claws, and include lions, tigers, pumas, ja- guars, panthers, leopards, and the wild and domestic cat, &c. Q. What is meant by " retractile claws ? '* A. Claws which are enclosed in a sort of sheath, and can be projected or drawn back at the will of the animal. Q. Are not animals of the Cat tribe more de- structive to life than all other Mammalia ? A. Yes ; in their natural state they rarely feed on any flesh except that which they them- selves have killed. Q. Are they not also remarkable for their enor- mous strength and activity ? A. Yes ; they have strong muscular bodies, and their feet being provided with a soft springy cushion, they can steal upon their prey noiselessly and unsuspectedly. Q. Have not animals of this sort a keen sense of hearing, sight,. and smell ? A. Their powers of vision and hearing are most extraordinary, but that of smell is not so fully developed. Q. Is not the Lion justly regarded as the most noble of all carnivorous animals ? A. Yes ; and he is therefore styled the King of Beasts. C 2 36 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q, What is the size of a full-grown male Lion ? A. About ten or twelve feet from the nose to the tip of the tail. Q. Is the female of equal size ? A. No, she is generally smaller. Q. Does not the Lion possess a handsome flowing mane? A. Yes ; and by this he may be readily distin- guished from the Lioness, which has none. Q- Is not the Lion remarkable for his prodigious strength ? A. Yes ; he can carry off a buffalo or antelope with the utmost ease. Q. Does the Lion usually seek his prey in the day-time ? A. No ; he sleeps during the day, and at night- fall commences his prowl. Q. How does he seize his victim ? A. He approaches with stealthy steps as near as possible, and then with a terrific roar springs upon it. Q. Has he not a very voracious appetite ? A. Yes ; he wnll devour enough at one meal to last him for several days. Q. Is not the tongue of the Lion possessed of sin- gular power ? A. Yes ; it is furnished with prickly eminences which lie backwards, by means of which he CLAWED ANIMALS. 37 easily licks the flesh from the bones of his prey. Q. What countries does the Lion inhabit ? A. Africa and Asia. Q. What is the prevailing colour of the Lion ? A, It varies from a brown to a dingy yellow. Q. How long are they said to live ? A. From twenty to forty years. Q. What animal of the Felidce ranks next to the Lion ? A. The Tiger, alike distinguished for its beauty and ferocity; it is generally smaller than the Lion. Q. What is the colour of the Tiger ? A. The back is bright orange-yellow, striped with black ; the face, throat, and belly are nearly white, and the tail is marked with black rings terminating in a black tip. Q. Where are Tigers chiefly found ? A. In the jungles of India, where they are hunted by armed men on elephants. Q. How does the Tiger seize his prey ? A. Nearly in the same way as the Lion ; he then sucks the blood, and afterwards carries the carcass to his lair, where he tears it in pieces at leisure. Q. What is the Puma? A. The largest animal of the Cat tribe found in C 3 38 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. the American Continent, and is frequently called the American Lion. Q. What is the colour of this animal ? A. When young it is of a brownish- red, which gradually changes to a fawn colour as it reaches maturity ; the throat is white, and the tail, which is of a dingy red, is tipped with black. Q. What is its size when full grown ? A. About five feet from nose to tail, the tail itself being nearly two feet and a half long. Q. When does the Puma seek his prey ? A. In the night-time ; frequently climbing trees, and springing upon such animals as may pass beneath ; it destroys life by drawing the head of its victim back with its paws until the vertebrae is broken. Q. What part of America does it frequent ? A. Chiefly South America. Q. What is the Jaguar ? A. An animal about the size of a wolf; the skin is of a pale brown-yellow colour, beau- tifully streaked and spotted w^ith black; the breast and belly are white. Q. Is it not also a native of South America ? A. Yes ; and from the similarity of its habits and form to that of the Tiger, is not unfre- quently described as the American Tiger. CLAWED ANIMALS. 39 Q. Will it attack man ? A. Rarely, unless it is pinched by hunger, when it becomes very fierce and bold. Q. What is the Panther ? A. A very restless and destructive beast, in size about six feet and a half from the nose to the tip of the tail ; it is of a deep orange- yellow colour, with groups of black spots distinctly marked. Q. Wherein does it differ from the Leopard ? A. The latter animal is smaller, the skin of a paler hue, the spots are not so deeply marked, and are closer together. Q. Do they not resemble each other as much in their habits as appearance ? A. Yes ; they lurk in woods and thickets, climb trees, crouch and creep along the ground, and suddenly dart upon their prey. Q. Where are these animals chiefly met with ? A. In Africa; although many are natives of India, Persia, and China. Q. What animal have we in England so fierce, rapacious, and cruel, that it is termed the "British Tiger"? A. The Wild Cat ; it frequents the more thickly wooded and hilly districts of our island. Q. On what does it subsist ? A. Hares, rabbits, small birds, &c., and it not C 4 40 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. nnfreqnently honours the poultry yard with a visit. Q. Are tliere not many varieties of the domestic Cat? A. Yes ; the most general being the black, black-and-white, w^hite, tortoiseshell, and tabby. Q. In w^iat country is it said Cats were first domesticated or tamed ? A. Egypt. Q. Are they not extremely useful to man ? A. Yes ; they rid our dwellings of rats and mice, with which w^e should be otherwise com- pletely overrun. Q. What are the Canidae or Second Subdivision of the Carnivorous Mammalia? A. Digitigrade animals of the Dog tribe, com- prising hyaenas, dogs, wolves, jackals, foxes, &c. Q. Are they as destructive to living animals as the Felida3 ? A. They are not ; yet some are very savage in their disposition, and are possessed of con- siderable strength. Q. What is the Hycena ? A. A ferocious animal apparently forming the point of connexion between the cat and dog tribes. CLAWED ANDIALS. 41 Q. Is it not nocturnal in its habits? A. Yes ; it prowls in the night-time, in search of carrion, on which it chiefly feeds. Q. Has it not a peculiar way of running ? A. Yes ; it goes along as if it were lamed for a considerable distance, and then appears suddenly to regain the use of the faulty limb. Q. In what parts of the globe are they most common ? A. In Southern Asia and Africa. Q. Is not the Dog regarded as a most valuable and faithful companion to man ? A. Yes ; he exhibits a willing and constant attachment to his master, unequalled by any other animal. Q. What people regard the Dog with abhorrence ? A. The Mahommedans and Hindoos. Q. Is there not great similarity of structure between the Dog and Wolf? A. Yes ; the resemblance is so striking, as to lead to the belief that they have a common origin. Q. Has it not been declared impossible to tame the Wolf? A. Yes ; but it is not strictly true, as some rare instances are on record which show that by kind treatment, the ferocity of his disposition may be completely subdued. 42 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. What is the favourite food of Dogs ? A. Flesh, yet when hungry, they will feed on cooked vegetables. Q. Does the Dog ever perspire ? A. ]So ; but when very much heated, his tongue hangs from his mouth and drops moisture. Q. What singularity pertains to the nose of a Dog? A. It is destitute of hair, and is always cold and moist when the animal is in health. Q. Has the female many young ones at a litter ? A. The number varies from six to fourteen. Q. Are not the puppies in a very helpless condition when born ? A. Yes ; they are quite blind, and do not acquire their senses perfectly until a month old. Q. Which are the principal varieties of tlie Dog? A. The Newfoundland, Esquimaux, bloodhound, bulldog, foxhound, greyhound, mastiif, pointer, harrier, terrier, spaniel, shepherd's- dog, &c. Q. Are not "Wolves generally to be met with tliroughont Europe ? A. Yes ; and from the difficulty there is to elude their vigilance, or escape from their pur- suit, they are regarded with terror by the lonely traveller. Q. What English King made laws with a view CLAWED ANIMALS. 43 to the extirpation of wolves from Lis king- dom ? A. Edgar. Q. What is the Jackal ? A. A small animal, somewhat like a fox in size and appearance ; they hunt in packs, and are often called " the lion's provider." Q. Why are ihej so called ? A. In consequence of their dismal howl, which starts tlie timid antelopes and deer and thus renders them an easy prey to the king of the forest. Q. In what countries do they abound ? A. India, Persia, and South Africa. Q. What animal is renowned for his depredations in the poultry yard ? A. The Fox. Q. Are there many kinds of Foxes ? A. Yes ; and they are all distinguished by the same cunning and suspicious disposition. Q. What are the Mustelidaa or third subdivision of Carnivora ? A. Small long-bodied animals remarkable for their ferocious and destructive habits ; they are considered the most sanguinary of all Carnivorous Mammalia. Q. Are they not called Vermiform or Worm- shaped animals ? A. Yes -J because their bodies being so long and 44 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. thin, they are enabled to make their way- through very small openings. Q. What animals belong to this tribe? A. The Weasel, Ermine, Ferret, Polecat, Sable, and Otter. Q. Is not the Weasel of essential service in barns and granaries ? A. Yes ; as it destroys vast multitudes of rats and mice. Q. Which animal belonging to the Mustelid® is much valued on account of its short, soft, silky fur ? A. The Ermine or Stoat ; it is about ten inches long, and is excessively destructive to poultry. Q. Does it not change in colour during the winter ? A. Yes ; from a reddish-brown to a beautiful white, the tip of the tail always remaining black. Q. Is there not a great resemblance between the Ferret and the Polecat ? A. Yes ; both in appearance and habits, but the Ferret is the smaller of the two, and has a sharper muzzle. Q. Are not Ferrets used for rabbit and rat hunting ? A. Yes ; but when used for rabbit hunting it is CLAWED ANIMALS. 45 necessary to muzzle them, as they would otherwise kill the rabbits in their holes in- stead of driving them into the nets of the hunters. Q. Which is their native country ? A. Africa; from whence they were imported into Europe. A. Do not the Ferret and Polecat emit a very offensive odour, especially when irritated ? A. Yes ; but the latter is the most disagreeable. Q. What is the Sable? A. An animal of the Weasel tribe, much valued for its beautiful brown fur. Q. Where is it found in immense numbers ? A. In Siberia, and many persons are employed, during the winter months, in its capture. Q. What is the Otter ? A. An aquatic animal of a greyish-brown colour from thirty to forty inches in length includ- ing the tail, it is very ferocious, and its bite is dangerous. Q. Is not the Otter web-footed ? A. Yes ; and it swims and dives with the greatest ease. Q. Where is the Otter tamed ? A. In India, where it is used by fishermen to drive the fish into their nets. 46 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY, Q. What does the Ursidce or fourth family of the Carnivora comprise ? A. Bears, Badgers, Racoons, Gluttons, &c. Q. Are not Bears exceedingly formidable as well as possessed of enormous strength ? A. Yes ; but they seldom attack man unless severely pressed by hunger or irritated ; and they rarely quit the forest glades or mountain fastnesses. Q. Are they not expert climbers ? A, Yes ; they readily ascend trees and rocks in search of wild honey, for which they manifest an extreme partiality. Q. Have they retractile claws ? A. No ; they are therefore well adapted for climbing trees and digging for roots. Q. What number of teeth have they? A. Forty-two ; viz. six incisors, two canines, and twelve molars in the upper jaw ; and six incisors, two canines, and fourteen molars in the lower jaw. Q. Are not Bears omnivorous ? A. Yes ; they will devour all sorts of food, but generally prefer a vegetable diet. Q. How do tliey pass the winter? A. In a torpid state, during which they remain almost entirely without food, coiled up in some cave or hollow tree. CLAWED ANIMALS. 47 Q. Where is the Bear most vulnerable ? A. In tlie head ; the other parts are so well covered with fat as effectually to shield them from danger. Q. "Was not Bear-baiting formerly a favourite sport in Britain ? A. Yes; and it was not unfrequently honoured with the presence of royalty itself ; but it is now entirely given up and is regarded as barbarous and brutalising in its tendency. Q. Which are the principal species? A. The brown bear of Europe and Asia ; the black and grisly bear of America; the jungle bear of India ; the Malay bear ; and the White or Polar bear. Q. Is not the Polar Bear a most powerful and savage beast ? A. Yes ; it is justly considered the fiercest of the bear tribe. Q. On what does it principally subsist ? A. Seals, fish, and dead whales. Q. What is the Badger ? A. A quiet inoffensive animal about thirty inches in length, covered with coarse rusty-grey hair. Q. Does it not burrow in the earth ? A. Yes ; and rarely quits its abode until night, when it seeks for frogs, insects, and fruits &c., on which it lives. 48 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. Are not the skin and bristles of the Badger of considerable value. A. Yes ; the former is used for covering trunks, the latter is made into brushes ; and in some parts of the world the flesh is eaten. Q. What countries does it inhabit? A. Most parts of Europe and Asia. Q, What is the Racoon ? A. An American aniraalabout thirty inches long, of a greyish-brown colour ; it has the singular habit of dipping its food in water before eating, hence it is called " the washer." Q. Has it not very sanguinary propensities ? A. Yes; it preys chiefly on small birds, but only devours the head, and sucks the blood from the wounds it inflicts. Q. Of what does the Phocida3 consist ? A. Of animals of the Seal tribe. Q. Is not the Seal a marine animal? A. Yes, it seldom leaves the water except to suckle its young, or bask in the sunshine. Q. Wherein does the Seal chiefly differ from other quadrupeds. A. In the feet, which resemble fins and are pro- vided with strong and sharp claws, they are thus particularly adapted for an aquatic life ; and they have no external ears. CLAAVED ANIMALS. 49 Q. "VYitli what is the body of this animal covered? A. A short glossy fur which sets close to the skin. Q. Is it not extremely awkward in its move- ments on land ? A. Yes ; the shortness and position of the feet prevent any other than a slow and wriggling motion. Q. On what do Seals live ? A. Sea-fowl, fish, and crabs. Q. Where are they most numerous ? A. In the northern regions, where they con- gregate in immense numbers. Q. Are they not migratory in their habits ? A. Yes ; they are constantly moving from one place to another. Q. What makes Seal-catching a profitable busi- ness ? A. They yield abundance of oil, and their skins are valuable. Q. Is not the Walrus a member of the Phocido3 ? A. Yes ; and it is chiefly remarkable for a pair of formidable tusks which project down- wards from the upper jaw. It is the largest and most bulky of Arctic animals. ' 50 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. ORDER 4. Pouched Animals. (Marsupialia.) Q. What kind of animals are comprehended in the Marsupialia or Fourth Order of Mam- malia ? A. Such as are provided with a bag or pouch, formed by the skin of the belly, in which their young are protected until they become fully developed ; as at birth they are in a very imperfect and defenceless state. Q. What animals belong to this order? A. Opossums, Kangaroos, Wombats, &c. Q. Where are the animals comprised in this Order found ? A. They are found exclusively in Australia, with the exception of the Opossum, which is a native of America. Q. Are they large animals ? A. No; they vary in size in the different species j but the largest seldom exceeds that of a moderate sized dog. Q. What number of teeth have they ? A. Fifty ; which is greater than that of any other quadruped, except the Myrmecobius. Q. What is the Myrmecobius ? A. A small Marsupial animal resembling a squirrel ; found in Australia, which has fifty -two teeth. CLASS I. MAMMALIA. ORDER IV. MARSUPIALIA. - ^'5*'efSS?jM«5^«iB*-», ORDER V. RODENTIA. ORDER VI. EDENTATA. .M 3 iDIR-fKI.. — (SOIUROS PiLMiRUil.') ORDER VII. PACHYDERMATA. )i:i>i.u I. ruuiiosciDK. Scb-Order 2. Ohdin^ J'^^§mk^\ % 'nL'-^rM POUCHED ANIMALS. 51 Q. On what does the Opossum feed? A. On insects, reptiles, birds, eggs, fruits, 8cc. Q. Wiiere does it take up its abode ? A. In hollows and branches of trees, from whence it issues at night in search of food. It has a prehensile tail, and when surprised feigns death. Q. What is the Kangaroo ? A. A pouched animal remarkable for the extra- ordinary length of its hind legs and tail ; and the extreme shortness of its fore-feet. Q. Is it a large animal ? A. There are many species, some as small as a squirrel, while others are occasionally met with as large as a sheep. Q. On what do they subsist ? A. Chiefly on grass. Q. In what does the Kangaroo resemble the Hodents and Ruminants ? A. It resembles the Rodents in the structure of its teeth, and the Ruminants in its food and habits. Q. Is the flesh of the Kangaroo eaten by men ? A. Yes ; and by many is esteemed quite a delicacy. Q. Is it not much impeded in its movements by the disproportion of its limbs ? A. No ; it takes the most surprising leaps, in D 2 52 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. wlncli it is greatly assisted by its tail, and it is said that when alarmed it will soon out-distance the fleetest greyhound. ORDER 5. Gnawing Animals. (Rodentia.) * Q. What is the meaning of the term " Rodentia," the name given to the Fifth Order of Mam- malia ? A. Gnawing animals. Q. Why is that name given ? A. In consequence of the peculiar formation of the teeth, which are admirably adapted for gnawing hard or tough substances. Q. How are the incisor teeth of these animals formed ? A. The two long front teeth in each jaw are chisel-shaped, and work against one anotlier; they are enamelled only in the front, so that the back part being softer wears away quicker, and thus preserves the sharpness of their edges. Q. Have not these teeth a rapid growth ? A, Yes ; they grow as fast at the roots as they wear away at the top, and should one be lost or broken, the corresponding one in the other jaw will increase to an extraordinary size from having nothinc^ to wear it down. * This order is often termed " Glires " from (Glis, a dormouse) a name given by Linngeus. GNAWING ANIMALS. 53 Q. How are the molar teeth formed ? A. They are in ridges of enamel and ivory, which wearing unequally preserve a rasp-like ap- pearance. Q. What are the two chief characteristics of the Rodentia ? A. The entire absence of canine teeth^ and the peculiar structure of the lower jaw, which is so articulated as to move backwards and forwards in a horizontal direction. Q, Are Rodent animals diminutive in size ? A. Yes ; and they are exceedingly prolific in all parts of the world. Q. Have they not usually a leaping instead of a running motion. A. Yes ; this arises from the hinder legs being rather larger in proportion than the fore legs; these latter are also used to convey their food to the mouth. Q. What is the food of Rodent animals ? A. Chiefly vegetable substances, but some of them will devour anything that comes in their way. Q. Into how many families or tribes is it cus- tomary to divide them. A. Into seven ; viz., 1. The Squirrel-tribe (SciuridcB.) 2. The Rat-tribe. (MuridcB.) 3. The Beaver-tribe. (Castoridce.) D 3 54 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. 4. The Porcupine-tribe. {Hystricidce.) 5. The Guinea-pig-tribe. (^Cavidce.) 6. The Chinchilla-tribe. {ChinchilUdcB.) 7. The Hare-tribe. {LeporidcB.) Q. What are the general characteristics of the Sciuridse or Squirrel-tribe? A. They have a small head, large eyes, four toes on the fore feet, and five on the hinder with sharp pointed nails, and a long bushy taih Q. By what are the Muridte or Rat-tribe chiefly distingushed ? A. By their long, round, scaly tails, elongated pointed muzzle, and only three molar teeth in each jaw. For their size they are the fastest runners of all quadrupeds. Q. How are the Castoridre or Beaver-tribe dis- tinguished from the other Rodents ? A. By a broad, flat, oval-shaped scaly tail, and large and very hard incisor teeth. Q. What characterises the Hystricidas or Por- cupine-tribe ? A. A thick muzzle, two incisor and four flat- topped molar teeth in each jaw, spiny scaled tongue, four toes on the fore feet, and five on the hinder, no collar bone, and the body covered with sharp spines. Q. What are the prevailing features of the Ca- vidoe or Guinea-pig-tribe? A. They have pig-like bodies, covered with fine bristly hair, short feet, and no tail. GNAWING ANIMALS. .55 Q. How are the Cliin chilli cla3 or Chinchilla-tribe known ? A. By their small rabbit-like bodies, five toes' on the fore legs and four on the hinder, and tail curled backwards. Q. AVhst are the principal characteristics of the Leporida3 or Hare-tribe ? A. The two upper front incisor teeth are large and grooved, they have long hind legs, hairy-soled feet, toes the same as the Chin- chillidse, and a short turned-up tail. Q. What are Squirrels? A. Playful and amusing little animals, of various colours, well known from their long bushy tails, which, in a sitting posture, are elevated over the back. Q. On what do they feed ? A. Nuts, acorns, buds of trees, and fruits. Q. In their natural state do they not avoid the habitations of men. A. Yes ; they prefer the retirement of the woods, where they construct their nest and sport among the branches of trees. Q, Are the Rat-tribe a numerous family ? A. Yes ; they are not only the most numerous, but the smallest of the Mammalia. Q. Of what do they consist ? A, Of rats and mice ; of which there are many species. D 4 56 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATUPvAL HISTORY. Q. What animal resembling the Kangaroo, ap- parently forms the ])oint of connection be- tween the Rat and Squirrel-tribes'* A. The Jerboa, which for its size possesses the longest hind legs of any known quadruped, and can leap five or six feet at a time. Q. What is the Beaver ? A. A cliesnut-coloured animal four feet in length to the tip of the tail. Q. What is its chief peculiarity ? A. It has a flat tail, covered with scales which it uses as a trowel to build its house, and as an oar to steer itself when swimming ; and its hind feet are webbed. Q. Are there several species of Beavers ? A. Yes ; but the American is most celebrated for the ingenuity and skill it displays in the construction of its habitation ; and the dams which it forms to retain water in places where there is likely to be a scarcity. Q. Is the flesh of the Beaver eaten by men ? A. Yes; by the Indians; and its fur is very valuable. Q. What places do they inhabit? A. The wooded districts along the banks of the rivers and streams of Europe and America. Q. What is the Porcupine ? A. A pig-like looking animal, with a grunting GNAWING ANIMALS 57 voice, whose botly i3 covered with spines or quills. Q. ^Yhat is its size ? A. From two to three feet in length, and it is one of tlie largest of the Rodents. Q. Do not the spines serve it as a defence against its adversaries ? A. Yes ; when irritated it rolls itself up like a ball, and by raising the spines offers a for- midable and complete resistance. Q. What is its food ? A. Fruits and vegetable substances. Q. Is it not a burrowing animal ? A. Yes ; and at night it leaves its retreat in search of food. Q. IIow does it spend the winter ? A. In a torpid condition. Q. Is not one of this tribe called the Prehensile Porcupine ? A. Yes ; from having a prehensile tail ; it is a native of vSouth America, where it resides in the woods. Q. TVhat is the Guinea-pig ? A. A sociable little animal of tropical America, apparently forming the connecting link be- tween the Rat and Hare-tribe. Q. Are not Guinea-pigs perfectly harmless ? A. They are ; and from their neat appearance 58 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY and cleanly habits are great favourites with children. Q. Is there not a larger species of Guinea-pig belonging to South America ? A. Yes ; the Spotted Cavy is about two feet in lengtli, and is much used as an article of food by the inhabitants of Brazil and Guiana. Q. On what does the common and Spotted Cavy feed? A. On all kinds of vegetables ; but the Spotted Cavy is likewise partial to sugar and fruits. Q. Is there not a remarkable semi-aquatic animal, of South America belongins: to the Cavidae family ? A. Yes ; the Capybara or TVater-hog which is nearly three feet in length, is tail-less, and has webbed feet. It is the largest of the Rodents. Q. What is the Chinchilla ? A. A little burrowing rabbit-like animal, cover- ed with a beautiful grey and white fur, much used for ladies' muffs and boas. Q. Of what country is it a native? A. Of South America. Q. Of what is the Leporidae composed ? A. Principally of Hares and Rabbits ; of which there are several varieties. TOOTHLESS ASlYiALS. 59 Q. Are they not both exceedingly prolific ? A. Yes; the number of young produced by tlie rabbit is truly astoni.sliing, a single pair having from thirty to fifty in a year Q. For what are hares chiefly remarkable ? A. Their exquisite sense of sight and hearing, as well as their extraordinary powers of loco- motion, rendering them peculiarly attractive to the sportsman. Q. Does the Rabbit differ much from the Hare ? A. Not so much in form as in its habits ; the for- mer being a sociable animal and burrowing in the ground ; while the latter is compara- •tively solitary in its habits, and its nest which is called a "form," is only a slight hollow flattened on the surfcice of the ground under some bush or other shelter. Q. Are not both very valuable to man ? A. Yes ; their flesh forms a most palatable and nourishing article of food ; whilst their fur is turned to a variety of uses. ORDER 6. Toothless Animals. (Edentata.) Q. What distinguishes the Edentata or Sixth Order of Mammalia ? A. The total absence of incisor teeth, their large and hoof-like claws, and the prevailing slow- ness of their movements. 60 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. What are the principal animals included in this order ? A. Ant-eaters, Armadillos, Sloths ; and also the Megatherium and Mylodon now only found in a fossil state. Q. Are there not several species of Ant-eaters ? A. Yes ; the Tamandua, and Striped ant-eater of South America, the Little ant-eater ; but the most curious is the Great ant-eater. Q. How large is this animal ? A. About the size of a large benr, and it is not unfrequently called the Ant-bear. Q. What is the appearance of this animal? A. Its body is covered with dark-grey shaggy hair, having a streak of black on each side from the neck to the tail ; it has a small head with long pointed snout, and a black bushy tail nearly as long as its body. Q. What country does it inhabit ? A. Guiana and Brazih Q. Why is it given the name of Ant-eater ? 4. Because it subsists entirely on ants, which swarm in those countries ; it obtains them by raking open the ant-hills with its strong fore claws, and it then gathers up the insects with its long slimy tongue. Q. What is the Armadillo ? A. A singular animal, readily known by its hard scaly armour, within which it can roll itself THICK-SKINNED ANIMALS. 61 up like a ball, and so secure itself from the attack of its pursuers. Q. Does it not burrow in the earth? A. Yes ; and it effects this with great rapidity, but it may be easily captured by smoking it out of its hole. Q. What does it live upon ? A. On juicy plants, roots, fruits, and insects. Q. Where is the Sloth to be met with ? A. Ill the dense forests of South America, where it lives in the trees, feeding on leaves. Q. How does it suspend itself to the branches of trees ? A. Under them and not on them ; it drags itself forward by its fore legs, which are double the length of those behind. ORDER 7. Thick-skinned Animals. (Paciiydermata. ) Q. What is the Seventh Order of Mammalia termed? A. Paehydermata ; and it includes all animals having a solid or divided hoof which do not ruminate or chew the cud. Q. What is the meaning of the term Paehy- dermata ? A. Thick-skinned ; and this Order is so called because most of the animals comprised in it have thick skins. 62 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. How is it usual to subdivide the Pachyder- niata ? A. Into three sections, viz. 1. Prehensile-snouted. (Proboscidea.) 2. Ordinary. (Ordinaria.) 3. Single-hoofed. (Solidungula.) Q. By what are the Proboscidea distinguished ? A. A long prehensile snout, and five rounded toes on each foot, as in the Elephant. Q. By what are the Pachydermata Ordinaria chiefly known ? A. They have two, three, or four toes on each foot, as the Tapir, &c. Q. What are the characteristics of the Pachy- dermata Solidungula ? A. An undivided hoof, one apparent toe to each foot, and no horns, as the Horse, &c. Q. What animals are comprised in the Pachy- dermata Proboscidea ? A. The Elephant, which is the only living type ; and the Mammoth and Mastodon, which are both extinct. Q. Are there any existing land-animals larger than the Elephant ? A. None ; the next in size are the Hippopotamus and Rhinoceros. Q. W^hat is the appearance of the Elephant ? A. It has a gigantic body, supported on four solid pillars or legs, a large head with THICK- SKIXNED ANIMALS. 63 large ears, very small eyef?, an enormous pair of tusks projecting from the upper jaws, and an extraordinary proboscis or trunk. Q. Are not Elephants exceedingly formidable ? A. In their wild state or when irritated they are so ; but when tamed they are extremely docile and gentle, and exhibit the strongest attachment to their keeper. Q. Are they not possessed of prodigious strength ? A. Yes ; they can sustain on their backs nearly two tons weight, and with ease break down with their trunks trees of considerable size. Q. Is not the trunk of the Elephant a most ex- traordinary instrument ? A. Yes ; for with it the animal can supply all its wants. With it, it can convey to its mouth the smallest particle of food, or tear down the branches of trees ; with it^ it sucks up water, which it afterwards discharges down its throat, or over its body ; while as a means of defence it is very formidable espe- cially when aided by its tusks. Q. Are there not several species of the Elephant now existing ? A. Only two ; viz. the African and Asiatic. 64 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. Ill -what respect do these differ from each other ? A. The African Elephant has longer tusks, larger ears, and molar teeth with different crown. Q. How are these animals captured ? A. The Asiatic elephants are decoyed into enclosures by tame female elephants, and are then bound with ropes to the stoutest trees, until sufficiently subdued to be led away by their captors, when by kind treat- ment they are soon completely subjugated, and, from their extreme sagacity and intel- ligence, are turned to the most useful pur- poses. Q. On what do they chiefly subsist in their wild state ? A. On grain, fruits, and especially the young and tender branches of trees, they also con- sume from thirty to forty gallons of water each day. Q. Are they not gregarious in their habits ? A. Yes ; they herd together in small groups or families, and prefer the shady forests to exposure in the open country. Q. How many families are comprised in the Pachydermata Ordinaria. A. Two ; viz. 1. The Tapir-tribe. {Tapii-idce.) 2. The Pig-tribe. {Smdce.) THICK-SKINNED AMMALS/ 65 Q. How are the Tapiridse or Tapir-tribe dis- tinguished ? A. They have a projecting upper lip, three or four toes on the fore feet, and three on the hinder. Q. AYhat are the characteristics of the Suidae or Pig-tribe ? A. They have four toes on each foot, two of which are shorter than the others, and scarcely touch the ground ; they have three sets of teeth, and the canines which are curved and projecting are called tusks. Q. What animals are grouped under the term Tapiridee ? A. The Rhinoceros, Tapir, and Hyrax ; besides several extinct genera. Q. How large is the Rhinoceros ? A, When full grown it is about twelve feet in length, and seven feet in height. Q. With what is the body of this animal covered ? A. A hard and impenetrable granulated skin, which hangs in loose folds about the neck, shoulders, and hind quarters, of the one- horned species. Q. Has not the Rhinoceros a singular looking head ? A, Yes, it is rather long, with a strong, curved, and pointed horn just above the nostrils, sometimes growing to the length of three 66 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. feet ; the eyes are small, and the upper lip projects considerably. Q. What kind of legs has it ? A. They are short, thick, and clumsy ; and each foot is divided into three hoofs. Q. Are there not several species of this animal? A. Yes ; but the two most worthy of attention are the one-horned Rhinoceros of India, and the two-horned Rhinoceros of Africa. Q. What is the disposition of the Rhinoceros? A. Although possessed of vast strength, it is a quiet and harmless animal; but when at- tacked it defends itself with the utmost fury. Q. On what does the Rhinoceros feed ? A. Chiefly on herbage and the branches of trees. Q. What is the Tapir ? A. A dark brown coloured animal, very much like a hog, but distinguished by an elongated it prolonged snout. Q. Has it an equal number of toes on each of its feet ? A. No ; it has four on the fore feet, and only three on the hinder. Q. What are the habits of the Tapir ? A. It wanders near the banks of rivers and lakes during the night, but in the day time se- cludes itself in the recesses of the forest, THICK-SKINNED ANIMALS. 67 where it feeds on wild fruits and the young shoots of trees; it is a quiet and inoffensive animal. Q. Of what country is it a native ? A. One belongs to South America, the other to the Malay peninsula. Q. What is the Ilyrax. A. An active little animal about the size and colour of a wild rabbit. Q. Where is it found ? A. One species is found in the rocky and moun- tainous parts of Syria and Arabia ; it is sup- posed to be the Coney spoken of in Scrip- ture. Another is a native of South Africa. Q. Name some of the animals belonging to the Suidae or Pig-tribe ? A. The Babyroussa, Peccary, Wild Boar, Wart- Hog, common Hog, and the Hippopotamus. Q. For what is the Babyroussa distinguished ? A, Its long upper canine teeth or tusks, which project upwards and backwards like the horns of some oxen. Q. How large is this animal ? A. Nearly the size of the ordinary hog, but it is slighter in form ; and the body is covered with dark brown bristly hair. Q. Where is it found ? A. In the Indian Archipelago. E 2 68 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. What is the Peccary ? A. A fierce and gregarious animal of South America, in size and appearance like the common pig ; it is an unrelenting destroyer of the Rattlesnake and other reptiles. Q. Is not the "Wild Boar a very dangerous ani- mal ? A. Yes ; it can inflict the most fearful wounds with its formidable tusks. Q. "Was not Boar-hunting formerly a favourite sport in England. A. Yes; and it still is so in India and on the continent. Q. What animals are said to derive their origin from the Wild Boar ? A. All the varieties of the domestic hog, which forms so important an article of food in almost every country. Q. What people regard the eating of swine's flesh with abhorrence ? A. The Jews and followers of Mahomet. Q. What is the Hippopotamus ? A. An unwieldy looking animal, forming as it were the connecting link between the Hog and Elephant ; the upper parts of the body are of a dark brown, and the belly flesh- coloured ; its hide is about two inches in thickness. CLASS I. MAMMALIA. ORDER VII. PACHYDERM ATA. (continued.) SoLlKlNGlLA. ORDER VIII. RUMINAXTIA. Jam, 1. — Antelopidae Fam 2 — Capnciae CiSHllEHt. GO,-! Fam. 4. — Cervidae. b M Vaiu 3 — Bovi .'ILD BC: L OF THIS COOK TRY, .,LLO V Lir,ER. — (i^ERyf J8 Diu-i.) THICK-SKINNED ANIMALS. 69 Q. For what is it remarkable ? A. An immense head, with a mouth of extra- ordinary capacity, displaying teeth of enor- mous size and strength ; the lower canines sometimes reaching two feet in length, and weighing nearly six pounds each in the full grown animal. Q. What country does the Hippopotamus in- habit ? A. The rivers of Central and Southern Africa. Q. What does it live upon ? A. Roots and vegetable substances, which it prefers in a partially decomposed state. Q. Is the Hippopotamus of a ferocious disposi- tion ? A. Not unless provoked, w^hen it exhibits the most uncontrollable rage. Q. What animals are comprised in the Solidun- gula or third sub-order of Pachyderm ata. A. The horse, ass, mule, zebra, quagga &c. Q. Is not the Horse justly celebrated, as being one of the most useful as well as beautiful of quadrupeds? A. Yes ; his tractability, strength, swiftness, courage, and generosity command universal admiration. Q. By what people is this animal said to have been first subjected to the use of man ? A. By the Egyptians. E 3 70 THE STEPPIXG STONE TO NATURAL HISTORr. Q. "What country is renowned for producing the most pure and beautiful breed of horses? A. Arabia. Q. Does the Horse now exist in a wild state ? A. Yes ; they are to be met with in immense herds on the banks of the La Plata river in South America ,• and likewise in Southern Siberia, Mongolia, Moldavia, and South Africa. Q. Are any of the Solidungula, or horse family indigenous to America ? A. Not any; the wild horses found in South America are the descendants of those intro- duced by the Spaniards. Q. Is not the Horse an herbivorous animal? A. Yes ; in his natural condition his favourite food is grass and some herbaceous plants. Q. What are the canine teeth of Horses called ? A. Tushes. Q. Has not the Horse naturally three different kinds of motion ? A. Yes ; viz., the walk, trot, and gallop. Q. How are these distinguished from one an- other ? A. By the peculiar movement of the legs ; thus, in the walk one of the fore legs is followed by the hind leg on the opposite side, and then repeated by the other fore and hind legs ; in the trot the fore leg and the hind THICK-SKINNED AnImALS. 71 leg on the opposite side are moved tofretlier, the movement being much more rapid than the walk ; but in the gallop the fore and hind legs on the same side are moved simul- taneously, and instantly followed by those on the opposite side. Q. Are there many varieties of this noble and useful animal ? A. Yes ; and according to their peculiar form and bulk they are applied to the purposes of the chase, turf, or road. Q. What country is unsurpassed by any other in the world for its breed of Horses "i A. England. Q. For what is the Ass remarkable ? A. His patience and powers of endurance, which render him most useful to man; but his dis- position is rather obstinate. Q. What country produces the best breed 'of Asses ? A. Spain, which is equally celebrated for its splendid breed of mules. Q. What renders the Mule so serviceable to the traveller in wild and mountainous countries ? A. Its extraordinary sure-footedness, which is unrivalled by that of any other beast of burthen ; and its astonishing capability of enduring fatigue. E 4 72 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. What is the Zebra ? A. A most beautiful quadruped of South Africa, rather larger than the common ass ; it is well known from the black and brown bands with which it is striped. Q. How many species are there of the Zebra ? A. Two ; one frequenting the mountainous dis- tricts ; the other ranging the plains. Q. Have they not a very keen sense of hearing, sight, and smell? A. Yes ; and they are consequently difficult of capture. Q. How do they repel the attack of their enemies ? A. By ranging themselves with their heads to- gether in a circle, and then kicking their assailants. Q. What constitutes the difference between the Zebra and Quagga ? A. The quagga is a smaller animal, and the stripes, which are chiefly on the neck and shoulders, are of a brownish-black, and not so dis- tinctly m^irked. Q. Does it not closely resemble the Zebra in its general habits? A. Yes ; and although herding together in large numbers like that animal, it never asso- ciates with it. RUMINATING ANIMALS. 73 ORDERS. Ruminatiiig Animals. (Ruminantia.) Q. What is the Eighth Order of Mammalia called ? A. Ruminantia; or Ruminating animals. Q. What animals belong to this order ? A. All such as are provided with four stomachs, chew the cud, and have cloven feet. Q. What names are given to the four stomachs? A. The first is called the "Rumen ; "tiie second, the "Reticulum;" the third, the "Psal- terium ; " and the fourth, the " Abomasus." Q. What is the use of the "Rumen," or first stomach ? A. It acts as a kind of store-room for the food which the animal has cropped. Q. What is the use of the " Reticulum," or second stomach? A. It serves as a tank to hold the water neces- sary to mix with the food. Q. What office does the "Psalterium," or third stomach fulfil? A. It operates as a sort of press to draw off" the unnecessary liquid. Q. What takes place in the "Abomasus," or fourth stomach ? A. There tlie final and complete process of di- gestion is performed. 74 THE STEPPING STOXE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. What is meant by " chewing the cud ? " A. The power possessed by certain animals of masticating their food a second time. Q. How is this process accomplished ? A. The herbage which the animal has cropped passes with scarcely any chewing into the first stomach, where it is moistened with water from the second stomach, formed into little balls and returned to the mouth, where it is masticated at leisure. Q. Into which stomach does the food pass after this second mastication ? A. Into the " Psalterium," where it is deprived of its superabundant moisture, and from thence goes into the " Abomasus," or com- plete digesting stomach. Q. Does not this provision of nature afford an- other instance of the wisdom and goodness of the Creator ? A. Yes ; for animals of this kind are thus enabled to secure an adequate supply of food ; which they would be prevented from doing, had they perfectly to masticate it at once. Q. Have animals of this Order any incisor teeth in the upper jaw ? A. No ; but they have six in the lower jaw, and two canines, and generally six molars in each jaw RUMINATING ANIMALS. 75 Q. Have not the Ruminants an exquisite sense of sight, hearing, and smell ? A. Yes ; and the structure of tiie organs of those senses affords them the greatest faci- lity in their use. Q. Are not animals of this order of essential service to man ? A. Undoubtedly they are ; as they furnish him with many necessaries, such as flesh, milk, butter, cheese, tallow, leather, wool, horns, &c. &c. Q. Into how many families are the Ruminants usually arranged ? A. Seven ; viz. 1. Antelope-tribe. (ANTiLOPiDiE.) 2. Goat-tribe. (Capkid^.) 3. Ox-tribe. (Bovid.e.) 4. Stag-tribe. (Ceryid.e.) 5. Giraffes. (Camelopardid^.) 6. Musk deer. (MoscHiDyE.) 7. Camel-tribe. (Camelid^e.) Q. "What are the general features of the Anti lopidse or Antelope-tribe ? A. They have round annulated and nearly solid horns, long pointed ears, no camine teeth, hind legs rather the longest, and are all remarkable for the extreme beauty and gracefulness of their forms, the swift- ness and agility of their movements, the restlessness and timidity of their disposition. 76 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. Are they not for the most part gregarious and migratory in their habits ? A. Yes ; they herd together in large numbers, and roam over immense tracts of country in search of pasturage. Q. What are the prevailing characteristics of the Capridae or Goat -tribe? A. They have hollow annulated horns pointed upwards, eight incisor teeth in the lower jaw, and none in tiie upper ; the male ani- mal generally has a beard. Q. What distinguish the Bovidas or Ox-tribe ? A. Smooth and curved hollow horns, large heads, broad muzzles^ strong muscular bodies, long tufted tails, and they are gregrarious in their habits. Q. By what are the Cervidae or Deer-tribe cha- racterised ? A. The possession of dense, bony, branching, and sometimes palmated horns, which are neither porous nor hollow, they are covered with a soft velvety skin, and the head is long and the muzzle pointed. Q. What are "Antlers"? A. The branches of the horns of Deer. Q. How^ often do tlie Deer-tribe slied their horns ? A. In the spring of every year. Q. Is not the female usually destitute of horns ? A. Yes ; except in the Rein- deer and a few other species. IxLAOO I. IViamiYIALIA, ORDER VIII. RUMIXANTIA. (continued.) Fam. 5 — Camelopardidae. Fam. 6. — Moechjdae. JORTHERN a j CAMEL.— (.CAMEt-rS BiCTRIANO's.') ORDER IX. CETACEA. i'am 1 — Dciphuiida rO\rVQ^.' DOIPHIN. — (nELPHIK"? 'a:Ti. -2. — Balaenidae COMMOM OR WHA^t-E-BONE WHALE. CACHiLOT OR SPERMACBri WHALE. RUMINATING AN1MAL&. 77 Q. What are the chief peculiarities of tlie Ca- melopardidae or Giraffes? A. They have short, porous, permanent horns, which are covered with a skin having the appearance of matted hair, and are likewise tulted with soft bristles; the neck and fore legs are excessively long, the tongue pre- hensile, and the tail tufted. Q. How are the Moschida3 or Musk deer dis- tinguished? A. They have no horns, their bodies are lightly formed, and the male has a projecting canine tooth on each side of the upper jaw. Q. What are the chief features of the Camelidie or Camel-tribe ? A. They have a long curved neck, divided upper lip, three sorts of teeth, no horns, and the feet have two toes, joined together by a horny sole. Q. In what countries are the Antelope tribe found ? A. The largest numbers exist in Africa, a few are natives of Asia and America, and the Chamois is the only remaining species be- longing to Europe. Q. Which are the principal animals of this sub- order ? A. The common antelope, gazelle, chamois, eland, spring-bok, koodoo, and nylghau. 78 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. For what is the common Antelope cliiefly distinguished ? A. Its beautiful annulated and spiral horns, and the lightness and delicacy of its form ; it is from four-and-twenty to thirty inches in height, and is of a brownish-red colour, the belly is white, which prevails throughout the whole Antelope family. Q. What is the Gazelle ? A. A dark fawn-coloured animal of Arabia and Syria, about twenty inches high, justly celebrated for its graceful appearance and full expressive eyes ; it is so fleet in its movements as to outstrip the swiftest grey- hound. Q. What is the Chamois ? A. The only species of the antelope genus in Europe ; well known as affording the most exciting chase to the keen and skilful sportsman ; it is about the size of the common antelope, and is covered with long hair, which changes in colour with the seasons. Q. What haunts do they frequent ? A. The most wild and inaccessible districts of the Alpine regions, where they may be seen bounding from cliff to cliff over the most frightful chasms with fearless indifference. Q. What country does the Spring-bok inhabit? A. The interior of Southern Africa, and it is RUMINATING ANIMALS. 79 to be met with in herds of from twenty to thirty thousand passing from one district to another in search of pa turage. Q. Is not the Koodoo the largest of the antelope genus ? A. Yes ; this noble animal stands about four feet high, and is nearly eight feet long. Q. What part of Africa does it frequent ? A. Caffraria; along the banks of wooded streams. Q. What is the Eland ? A. One of the largest and most noble of the South African Antelopes. Q. What is the Nylghau ? A. A large and powerful antelope of a bluish- slate colour, with a scanty mane of black hair ; the neck is finely curved, and on the breast is a tuft of long black Lair. Q. Which is its native country ? A. India. Q. Is not the Gnu antelope a singular looking animal ? A. Yes ; its bodily form bears a striking resem- blance to that of the hor.-e, with the ex- ception of the head, which is surmounted with a pair of deeply curved horns ; it has a long flowing mane, and the throat and breast are covered with long black hair; the skin is of a blackish-brown colour. 80 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATUEAL HISTORY. Q. Where are they found ? A. In the wild and hilly districts of South Africa. Q. Of what do the Caprida3 consist ? A. Of goats and sheep. Q. What are the chief differences between Goats and Sheep ? A. The latter have an arched forehead, lateral spiral horns, (when present) directed back- wards and then pointed forwards, and no beard. Q. Are not Goats very hardy animals ? A. Yes ; they live and thrive in nearly every climate. Q. Do they not delight to wander in rocky and mountainous districts ? A. Yes ; and the leaps they can take from one rock to another are truly surprising. Q. On what do they subsist? A. On almost every kind of herbage. Q. Is not the milk of the Goat very nutritious ? A. Yes ; it possesses many nourishing and medicinal qualities, and is much used by invalids. Q. Are the skins of these animals valuable ? A. Yes ; they are much used, under the name of Turkey morocco leather, for the most ex- pensive bindings for books, as well as for writing-desks, travelling-cases, &c. RUMINATING ANIMALS. 81 Q. Which species are most worthy of attention ? A. The Cashmere, Angora, Syrian and Rocky Mountain Goats. Q. Are not the fleeces of these animals of great importance in manufactures ? A. Yes ; the most costly and magnificent shawls are produced from the w^ool of the Cashmere goat, while tlie finest camlets are made from that of the Angora. Q. Is not the Ibex also a member of this family ? A. It is ; and there are several species, of Avhicli the Jeralah Ibex of the Himalaya is con- sidered the finest. Q. For what is it chiefly remarkable ? A. A curious pair of brown-coloured horns, curved backwards in tlie form of a half circle. As these animals frequent the most precipitous heights, their capture is not only difiicult, but attended with consider- able danger. Q. Are not Sheep of the highest importance to the human race ? A. Yes ; there are few animals from which are derived a larger supply of the necessaries of life, in the shape of food and clothing. Q. Has not the breeding and rearing of Sheep been the subject of constant care and atten- tion in all ages ? A. Yes ; and in Eastern climes it is usual to F 82 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY estimate the wealth of an individual ac- cording to the extent of his flocks and herds. Q. Are there not many varieties of this animal ? A. Yes ; they are exceedingly numerous, and are to be found in most countries. Q. In what do they chiefly differ ? A. In the bulk of their bodies, the length or shortness of their legs, the fineness or coarse- ness of their wool ; some have horns, others are tail-less, &c. Q. Is the flesh of the Sheep held in equal esti- mation, as an article of food, in other countries as in Britain. A. No ; the Cossacks and Calmucs regard it with indifference, and the Spaniards with positive dislike. Q, Is not Britain distinguished for the excellence of its breeds of Sheep ? A. Yes ; it is scarcely surpassed by that of any other country. Q. Which are the chief varieties in this island ? A. The Leicestershire, Southdown, Cotswold, Dorset, Lincolnshire, Ryeland, and Cheviot breeds. Q. What breed is remarkable for the exquisite fineness of its wool ? A. The Spanish Merino, which has been greatly improved by the Germans, and very sue- RUJirNATING ANIMALS. 83 cessfully introduced into the Australian colonies. Q. Are not Sheep regarded as the most gentle and timid of animals ? A. Yes ; and this is true as far as regards the domestic breeds ; but in their wild state they display a boldness and activity which equals, if not excels, that of the goat. Q. Are not these animals subject to many dis- eases ? A. Yes ; but the most destructive are the rot, dysentery, foot-rot, and scab. Q. What singular species of Sheep is common to most of the countries of Western Asia ? A. The broad-tailed sheep, distinguished by the immense mass of fat which covers the tail, varying from ten to twenty pounds in weight. Q. What species of Sheep is found wild in Europe ? A. The Moufflon or Musmon, which inhabits the mountainous districts of Sardinia, Greece, &c. Q. What are the Bovidoe ? A. Animals of the ox-tribe ; they are possessed of great muscular power, and possibly are of more real service to mankind than any other animals. F 2 84 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. Is not Britain renowned for the excellence of its breeds of oxen and cows ? A. Yes ; the rich pastures of this country are admirably adapted for rearing such animals, and during the last half century our farmers have been unremitting in their efforts to im- prove their stock. Q. Are there many varieties of these animals? A. Yes ; the domestic breeds are so numerous as to leave but faint traces of the originals from which they aie descended. Q, Which of the Bovidae require more particular notice ? A. The Bison, Buffalo, Yak, Zebu, and Musk Ox. Q. "What is the Bison ? A. A fierce and savage looking beast about the size of an ox, having an oblong fleshy hump between the shoulders, which, together with the entire fore part of the body, is covered with long shaggy hair, often reaching to the ground ; the colour of the Bison is a dingy brown or black. Q. Where is it chiefly found ? A. In the Western prairies of America, where vast herds are to be met with. There is a smaller species called "Aurochs," now restricted to Lithuania, ^vliich is supposed to be the Urus of the ancients. RUMINATING ANIMALS. 85 Q. Is not the hunting of these animals a most hazardous sport ? A. Yes ; for when wounded they turn on their pursuer with desperate fury, and unless he he exceedingly vigilant and skilful they speedily gore and trample him to death. Q. Is not the Bison much valued by the Indians ? A. Yes ; as from it they derive not only food and clothing, but also manufacture various articles from its skin and horns. Q. Is not the name of "Buffalo" frequently given to this animal ? A. It is so by the Americans ; but it differs ma- terially from the real *' buffalo," which is a native of India. Q. What kind of beast is the Buffalo? A. It is about the size of a full-grown ox, but somewhat shorter in the legs ; and the horns frequently measure from eight to ten feet from tip to tip ; the hide is usually of a black colour. Q. Are they easily tamed ? A. No ; but nevertheless this is frequently ac- complished by the natives, who use them for agricultural purposes. Q. Is there not a hideous looking species of Buf- falo, belonging to Caffraria ? A. Yes ; it is not unlike the bison, the head and breast being covered with a quantity of F 3 86 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. coarse black hair, and a black shaggy mane extends from the head to the middle of the back ; from the head rises a pair of gigantic horns curved backwards and upwards ; and the tail is tufted with long loose hair. Q. What is the Yak ? A. A black species of ox found in Tliibet, whose white bushy tail is used in Turkey to indi- cate the rank of the higher military officers. Q. Is it not likewise called the Grunting Ox ? A. Yes ; in consequence of making a noise re- sembling the grunting of a pig. Q. "What animal is regarded by the Hindoos with religious veneration ? A. The Zebu or Brahmin bull. Q. Describe it ? A. It is not much larger than an ordinary calf has a hump at the bottom of the neck, long pendulous ears, short horns, and varies in colour from a light grey to a milk white. Q. Is it not a quiet and inoffensive animal? A. Yes ; it is used in India as a beast of burthen, and occasionally as an article of food. Q. What sort of animal is the Musk Ox ? A. It is about the size of a full grown calf; the body is thickly covered with long hair, which is brown in the male and black in the female ; the head is large and surmounted RUMINATTNG AN13IALS. 87 with a pair of strong horns curving down- wards to the mouth and then upwards ; the legs are short, and the tail scarcely ob- servable. Q. "What country does the Musk Ox inhabit ? A. The rocky and hilly parts of Arctic America. They live in herds of thirty or forty. Q. What animals compose the Cervidae? A. Those of the stag or deer tribes. Q. Where are they found ? A. In all parts of the globe. Q. Are they not objects of universal admiration ? A. Yes ; the ease and rapidity of their move- ments, combined with the elegance and beauty of their appearance, render them general favourites. Q. Name some of the principal species of the Deer tribe. A. The Stag or Red Deer, Fallow Deer, Elk, Reindeer and Wapiti. Q. Was not stag-hunting formerly a favourite and royal sport in this country ? A. Yes ; and it is still followed both here and on the continent. Q. From what country is it supposed the Stag was first introduced into Great Britain ? A. France ; where many still exist. They are also numerous in the Highlands of Scot- land. F 4 88 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY, Q. What is there deserving attention in the growth of the horns of this animal? A. In the first year, there is only a kind of horny protuberance ; in the second year, the horns are straight, and without branches ; in the third 3'ear, two branches or antlers appear, and an additional one is added each year until the fifth, after which they only increase in size and thickness. Q. Are not the horns of the Stag exceedingly rapid in their growth ? A. Yes ; the immense horns of the full grown animal reach maturity in about ten to twelve weeks. Q. On what does the Stag subsist ? A. Grass, the bark, buds and leaves of trees and shrubs. Q. Does not the Stag abstain from water at certain seasons of the year ? A. Yes ; during the winter and spring they seldom drink ; but in summer they seek out streams wherein to bathe themselves, as well as to quench their thirst. Q. What is the Fallow Deer ? A. A beautiful animal much smaller than the Stag, the skin is of a reddish brown marked with white spots. Q. What kind of horns has the Fallow Deer ? A. They are broad, palmated or webbed, and RUMINATING ANIMALS. 89 branching ; there are also two small antlers, which project over the forehead. Q. What is the flesh of these animals called ? A. Venison ; which is esteemed a great delicacy. Q. What is the Elk? A. The largest animal of the Deer tribe ; it is of a greyish-brown colour, and has long legs, short thick neck, and large head, which ap- pears disproportionate to the size of the body; and frequents the northern regions of Europe, Asia, and America. Q. Is not the Elk a very harmless animal ? A. Yes ; but he is also very courageous when suddenly attacked, and can vigorously de- fend himself with his large horns and fore feet. Q. Is not the Reindeer exceedingly serviceable to man ? A. It is peculiarly so to the natives of Lapland and Norway, to whom " this animal is the substitute for the horse, the cow, and the sheep : harnessed to the sledge the reindeer bounds over the frozen lakes and rivers, or the equally hardened surface of the snow ; of its milk they make their cheese ; its flesh supplies them with food ; and the skins fur- nish them not only with clotluDg, but with their tents and bedding." * * Maunder's Treasury of Natural History. 90 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. What is the appearance of the Reindeer ? A. It has a thick square-built body, and stands about four feet and a half in height ; the head is surmounted with long, slender, branching horns; from the under part of the neck hangs a quantity of hair, and the colour of the skin is brown, with white under the belly. Q. On what do they usually feed ? A. Chiefly on lichen or moss, which abounds in the northern regions. Q. What member of the Cervidae is called the " Canadian Stag " ? A. The Wapiti deer; it is much larger than the European stag, which in form and colour it greatly resembles ; it has very large and branching horns. Q. Of what is the family Camelopardidas com- posed ? A. Of the Giraffe only ; of which one species only is known to exist. Q. Where is it found ? A. In Nubia and Abyssinia^ and in Southern Africa. Q. Is not the Giraffe the tallest of animals ? A. Yes ; the full grown animal being often from fourteen to eighteen feet from the top of the head to the ground. RUMINATING ANIMALS. 91 Q. What is the colour of this beautiful animal ? A. A light-fawn, with large spots of a much darker hue. Q. Is there a larger number of vertebrae in the neck of the Giraffe than in other animals of the Mammalia ? A. There is not, although th% neck is of such extreme length. Q. Has not the Giraffe a prehensile tongue ? A. Yes ; and this with the aid of the projecting upper lip enables it to pluck with ease the leaves and young branches of trees on which it feeds. Q. What is its general disposition ? A. Mild and timid ; yet, when attacked it can defend itself successfully with its hoofs. against even the Lion. Q. What is comprised in the family Moschidoe ? A. The Musk Deer, of which there are several varieties. Q. What countries do they inhabit ? A. India and China, as well as the islands of Java, Sumatra, and Ceylon. Q. Are they not very slender in their form, and graceful in their movements ? A. Yes ; and their extraordinary activity renders their capture a matter of no small dithculty. 92 THE STEPPIXa STOXE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. Is not the perfume we call " musk " procured from this animal ? A. Yes. Q. What animals belong to the family Came- lid£e ? A. Camels and Llamas. Q. Is not the Camel exceedingly useful as a beast of burthen ? A. Yes ; its docility, strength, and powers of endurance are so great, as to render it in- valuable to the traveller over the parched and arid deserts of the East. Q. What sort of animal is the Camel? A. The body is stout, and generally of a brown colour; it stands from tive to six feet in height to the top of the hump on the back ; the neck is long and crooked, and the joints of the legs are protected by hard horny substances ; the feet are broad and elastic, and are furnished with two small hoofs. Q. How many kinds of Camels are there ? A. Two ; theBactrian Camel and the Dromedary or Arabian Camel. Q. What is the difference between the two species ? A. The Bactrian Camel has two humps on the back and the Arabian only one, and it is the smaller of the two. RUMINATING ANIMALS. 93 Q. Where are tliey chiefly found ? A. The Bactrian Camel is common to Central Asia, and the Dromedary to Northern Africa, Arabia, and Palestine, &c. Q. For how long can the Camel abstain from drinking ? A. For seven or eight days. Q. By what means is it enabled to do this? A. By the possession of an extra cavity in the stomach, which serves as a reservoir for water. Q. Is not the fatty protuberance or hump also a source of nutriment to it ? A. Yes ; the fat is absorbed into the system when the animal has had to endure a long abstinence from food. Q. What weight can the Camel carry ? A. From five to nine hundred-weight. Q. At what rate does it usually travel ? A. From thirty to ninety mik-s a day, according to the load it may have to carry. Q. On what does it feed ? A. On the coarsest of vegetables ; as thistles, nettles, &c. Q. Where is the Llama principally found? A. In tlie mountainous districts of Peru, where it exists in considerable numbers. 94 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. Is it not much smaller than the Camel ? A. Yes ; it is about six feet long, and four and a half feet high. Q. Was not the Llama used by the ancient Peru- vians as a beast of burthen? A. Yes ; but since the introduction of the horse, ass, and mule, its services are but little required. Q. Is it not greatly inferior to the Camel in swiftness and strength ? A. Yes ; the largest animals can travel scarcely more than from ten to fifteen miles a day with a load of about a hundred weight and a half. Q. With what is the body of the Llama covered ? A. Long sliaggy hair, which is used in the manufacture of fine woollen cloths. Q. How does the Llama defend itself ? A. By kicking and spitting, and the saliva which it emits is said to produce eruptions of the skin. Oeder 9. Whales, Dolphins, SfC. (Cetacea.) Q. What is the Ninth Order of Mammalia termed ? A. Cetacea ; and comprises the vp-hale tribe. Q. Do not animals of this Order live entirely in the water ? A. Yes ; and they are the largest of all Mam- malia. WHALES, DOLPHINS, ETC. 95 Q. What kind of animals are they ? A. They are warm-blooded, and breathe through lungs, for which purpose they have fre- quently to rise to the surface of the water, and they bring forth their young alive. Q. What provision is made to prevent the tem- perature of their bodies from being re- duced by constantly living in the water ? A. They are covered with a thick layer of fat, which effectually resists the cooling action of the water. Q. Are the Cetacea carnivorous ? A. Yes ; they feed on fish and small marine animals Q. What is the chief external difference between these animals and fishes ? A. They are not covered with scales, and the tail fin is in a horizontal instead of a ver- tical position. Q. Into how many families are the Cetacea divided ? A. Into two ; viz., 1. The Dolphin-tribe. (Delphinid^.) 2. The Whale-tribe. (Bal.'ENid^.) Q. What are the characteristics of the Delphi- nidjB, or Dolphin tribe ? A. They have a moderate sized head, and usually conical teeth in both jaws. 96 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL UISTORY. Q. What are the chief features of the Balsenidae, or Whale tribe? A. An immoderately sized head ; two kinds have whalebone in the upper jaw ; and a third, conical teeth in the lower jaw only. Q. What animals belong to the Delphinidse ? A. The dolphin, porpoise, grampus, narwhal, &c. Q What is the Dolphin ? A. An animal nearly ten feet in length ; the upper part of the body is of a dark colour, the lower part white ; it has a prolonged snout, is swift in its movements, and is ex- ceedingly ravenous in the pursuit of prey. Q. Where are they mostly found ? A. In the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean. Q. What difference is there between the Porpoise and Dolphin ? A. The Porpoise is smaller in size, and has a shorter snout. Q. On what does the Porpoise feed ? A. On the mackarel and herring &c. Q. Where is it chiefly found ? A. In the Atlantic and German Oceans. Q. Is not the Grampus very fierce in its nature? A. Yes ; it is said to be the inveterate enemy of the whale, which it attacks in troops. WHALES, DOLPHINS, ETC. 97 A. How large is it ? Q. It varies from twenty to twenty-five feel in length. Q. What seas does it inhabit ? A. The Northern Seas. Q. What animal is often designated the Sea unicorn ? A. The Narwhal ; from its having a long spiral horn projecting forward from its upper jaw. Q. What is the size of the Narwhal ? A. It varies from twenty-five to thirty feet, in length. Q. Of what seas is it an inhabitant ? A. The Arctic ; where it lives upon the smaller kinds offish. Q. What composes the Balsenidae or second family of Cetacea ? A. The whales ; of which there are three prin- cipal kinds. Q. Which are they ? A. 1. The Greenland whale; 2. The Cachalot, or Spermaceti whale; 3. The Rorqual or Kazor-backed whale. Q. Are not these animals remarkable for the ex- traordinary size of their head ? A. Yes ; it generally occupies from a third to a half of their length. 98 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. Why is it wrong to call " Whales," fishes? A. Because they possess all the prevailing cha racteristics of mammiferous animals. Q. On what do the Whale tribe feed ? A. On various small marine animals, such as the Clio Borealis, Sepia or Cuttle-fish, and other molluscs and minute crustacecT, myriads of which exist in many parts of the ocean. Q, What is the size of the Greenland Whale ? A. From forty-eight to sixty feet in length, and from twenty to thirty in girth. Q. Has it not a smaller head than the Spermaceti Whale ? A. Yes ; it occupies about one-third its entire length ; being from sixteen to twenty feet long, by ten to twelve feet broad. Q. Has the Greenland Whale any teeth ? A. No; it has instead a large number of vertical layers of whalebone attached to the upper jaw and terminating in a fringe. Q. What is the use of these layers and fringes of whalebone ? A. They serve as a kind of sieve to retain the immense number c^ molluscous, radiated, and crustaceous animals which the whale en- gulphs in its enormous mouth and on which it subsists. Q. How is this process performed ? A. The lower scoop-shaped jaw of this animal WHALES, DOLPHINS, ETC. 99 when opened becomes instantly filled with water ; the opening into the gullet is closed as the mouth shuts, when the water is thrown off through the blow-holes, and the animal- cules are enclosed in the labyrinth of whale- bone. Q. Is not the throat of this Whale extremely small? A. Yes ; it is so small as scarcely to allow the passage of the smallest fish, being only about an inch and a half in diameter. Q. What makes our countrymen so willing to brave the dangers of the Arctic Seas in pur- suit of this animal ? A. The great value of the Baleen and Blubber which it yields in such large quantities. Q. What do you mean by Baleen and Blab- ber ? A. The whalebone is termed " Baleen," and the fat "Blubber." Q. What quantity of oil may be obtained from a full-grown Greenland whale ? A. About twenty to thirty tons. Q. In what respect does the Spermaceti AVhale chiefly differ from the Greenland ? A. In the form and size of the head, the greater length of the body, the possession of teeth in the lower jaw, and the absence of whale- bone. G 2 100 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. AYliat is the length of the Spermaceti Whale ? A. From seventy to eighty feet, of which the head constitutes above one third. Q. Where is this Whale chiefly found ? A. In the South Pacific Ocean. Q. W^hy is it called the Spermaceti Whale ? A. Because the principal portion of the head consists of a large cavity in which is secre- ted a fine oil, which on the death of the animal concretes or forms into a solid sub- stance which we call spermaceti. Q. Is it not also remarkable for the acuteness of its senses of sight and hearing ? A. Yes ; and this renders its capture difficult. Q. Is the gullet of the Spermaceti Whale as small as that of the Greenland ? A. Ko ; it is just the reverse, and is said to be large enough to admit the bod}' of a man. Q. What is the principal food of this animal ? A. The Cuttle-fish, called by sailors the Sea- Squid. Q. Is not the Rorqual the largest of the Whale tribe ? A. Yes ; it is from eighty to one hundred feet long, and from thirty to forty feet in cir- cumference. It has a loose skin or bag under the lower jaw. •WHALES, DOLPHINS, ETC. 101 Q. Is it not a very fierce animal ? A. Yes ; and from this circumstance, togctlier with the smaller quantity of oil which it yields, and the inferiority of its whalebone, it is less sought after than the other species. Q. On what does the Rorqual feed? A. On various kinds of fish, as well as molluscs and crustaceans. In one that was captured was found six hundred cod-fish, besides many others. END OF TART I. THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. PAET II. VERTEBRATED ANIMALS. {Continued.) CLASS II. Birds. (Aves.) Q. What is the study of the Natural History of Birds usually called ? A. " Ornithology ; " a term derived from two Greek words signifying " a Discourse on Birds." Q. What are Birds ? A. Vertebrate animals especially, yet not ex- clusively, formed for motion in the air. Q. How are birds enabled to propel themselves through the air ? A. By means of their fore limbs, which are called wings. H 3 104 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. Are not birds remarkable for the extreme lightness of their bodies ? A. Yes ; this arises from their having a num- ber of air-cells in various parts of the body, which, being filled with air, reduce the weight to nearly an equality with the atmo sphere ; and most of the bones are hollow. Q. With what are the bodies of birds covered ? A. With feathers ; which, from their smooth and close texture, preserves the warmth of their bodies ; and, from their lightness, aids them in flying. Q. How is the feather formed ? A. The quill part or stem is a hollow, trans- parent tube ; while the vane or beard is composed of a number of separate thin and flat-sided pieces, termed laminae, which are barbed at the edges and hook one into ano- ther. Q. Do Birds require greater means to preserve the warmth of their bodies than Mammalia? A. Yes ; because their rapid motion through the air has a constant tendency to reduce the temperature of their blood. Q. Are the bones of the vertebral column of birds fixed or moveable ? A. Those of the back are fixed, giving support to the wings, but the others are moveable. BIRDS. 105 Q. Have birds the same number of vertebrae in the neck as the mammalia ? A. No ; they vary from twelve to twenty-three, while in mammalia they never exceed seven. Q. Have birds any teeth ? A. No; their jaws are covered with a hard, horny substance, called a beak or bill, some- times notched or indented, which answers a similar purpose. Q. What are the jaws of birds called? A. Mandibles. Q. Are not the bills of birds exceedingly useful to them ? A. Yes ; for with them they pick up their food, defend themselves, and cleanse their plu- mage. Q. Have not birds a singular provision for pruning or oiling their feathers? A. Yes ; they have near their tails two oil- glands, from which they extract oil by means of their bills. Q. What is the crop ? A. A large cavity at the end of the gullet, used as a kind of first stomach, to store and prepare the food for the action of the second or digesting stomach. H 4 106 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. Is not the second stomach divided into two parts ? A. Yes ; one is called the " Proventricle," the other the " Gizzard." Q. Are not birds warm-blooded animals ? A. Yes ; and they have what is termed a " double circulation." Q. What are we to understand by " a double circulation " ? A. The blood passes through two sets of tubes ; one called " arteries," the other " veins." By the arteries the blood is conveyed from the heart to the various parts of the body, after having been acted upon by the air in the lungs; by the veins it is re-conveyed to the heart. Q. Do not birds produce their young from eggs which have been previously excluded from the body of the parent ? A. Yes ; and they are therefore said to be oviparous. Q. What is the "Cere?" A. The naked skin which covers the root of the bill. Q. Which of the senses are most highly deve- loped in the feathered race ? A. Those of sight and hearing. Q. What birds have the keenest vision ? A. The Raptores or Birds of Prey. BIRDS. 107 Q. Is the male or female bird generally the largest ? A. The male bird; and he has likewise the most brilliant plumage. Q. In what countries are the plumage of birds the most brilliant? A. In tropical countries; but they are far in- ferior in their powers of song to those of temperate regions. Q. Are not most birds migratory in their habits? A. Yes ; and their departure from one place to another is chiefly regulated by the changing of the seasons. Q. What is there remarkable in the migration of birds? A. The summer birds arrive singly and depart in flocks, while the winter birds arrive in flocks and depart singly. Q. What is meant by the " moulting of birds ? " A. The annual shedding of a portion or the whole of the feathers. Q. At what season of the year does this usually take place ? A. In the autumn. This period is regarded as the most fatal to birds. Q. Do not birds change the colours of their plumage with the variations of the season ? A. Yes ; this is forcibly exemplified in the Ptarmigan Grouse, which in summer is of a pale brown or ash colour, but in winter becomes a pure white. 108 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. How many species of birds are known to naturalists? A. Upwards of seven thousand. Q. Into how many grand divisions or orders is it usual to separate the class Aves, or birds ? A. Into seven. Q. By "what is this division chiefly regulated ? A. By the peculiar formation and adaptation of the legs, feet, and bill. Q. What names are given to each of these or- ders ? A. 1. Birds of Prey. (Accn>iTRES.) 2. Perching Birds. (Insessores.) 3. Climbing Birds. (Scansores.) 4. Scratching Birds. (Rasores.) 5. Running Birds. (Cursores.) 6. Wading Birds. (Grallatores.) 7. Swimming Birds. (Natatores.) Order 1. Bhds of Prey. (Accipitres.) Q. For what are the Accipitres, or Birds of Prey chiefly distinguished ? A. The great muscular power of their bodies, and the strength of their bills, legs, and claws. Q. How many toes have they on each foot ? A. Three before, and one behind ; the claws are curved and prehensile, or suited for seizing or holding their prey. CLASS II. AVES. PL S. ORDER I. ACCIPITRES. "aixi 1 . — Falconiiiae, lErliCAX, OR WHITF-HEiDFD SKA KiOLE. (H.--r,i»j!;i r;s li-: n cook ph alls.) "¥9 CONDOR. — (SAKCORAMPHnS GRYPHCS.') WFL-GF-TAILED EAGLE — A^DIUA FDCOSA.) ORirFON VCL1CR3. — (VUI.TDR fCLVUS.) ram 3 — Strigidae '-'////: ///^ BARN OWr.. — 18THIX FLAMi£I OREAT HOKS-cD OWL. (BORO VI R'l I KIASDS. J BIRDS OF PREY. 109 Q. By what are the Insessores or Perching Birds chiefly characterised ? A. By their short, slender legs ; the feet having three toes forwards and one backwards ; each being furnished with a slightly curved claw. They are adapted for perching on boughs of trees, &c. Q. What principally distinguishes the Scansores, or Climbing Birds ? A. Their singular power of turning the out- ward or external toe backwards, which aids them in grasping, and gives them the ap- pearance of having two toes before and two behind. Q. What are the chief features of the Rasores or Scratching Birds? A. They have generally long necks, short mus- cular wings, stout legs, large feet, having the three front toes joined at the base by a small membrane, while the hinder toe is raised a little above the others. Some of the male birds are crested. Q. By what are the Cursores,or Running Birds distinguished ? A. By the extraordinary length and strength of their legs, and their short or undeveloped wings. Q. How are the Grallatores, or Wading Birds chiefly known ? A. By their long necks, beak, and wings, and 110 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. their stilt-like legs, which admirably adapts them for their peculiar mode of life. Q. What are the principal characteristics of the Natatores, or Swimming Birds ? A. Their feet are placed in a more backward position than in most other birds, and their toes are webbed or connected with each other by a skin. Q. What are the Accipitres, or First Order of Birds ? A. Birds of Prey. Q. Are the Accipitres ever called by any other name? A. Yes ; Raptores. Q. How may the birds of prey be further sub- divided ? A. Into families or tribes, of which there are three. Q. Name them. A. Falcons, vultures, and owls. Q. By what are the Falcon tribe known ? A. By the length and strength of their wings, their powerful toothed beaks, and their retractile talons. Q. How are the Vulture tribe distinguished ? A. The skin of the head and neck is either wholly or partially denuded of feathers ; the beak is long, and curved only at the tip ; and the lower parts of the legs are covered with a scaly skin. BIRDS OF PREY. Ill Q. For what are the Owl tribe chiefly remark- able ? A. Their large round heads and staring eyes, encircled with a disc of fine downy fea- thers ; and they can easily move the ex- ternal toe either backwards or forwards. Q. What birds belong to the tribe of Falcons ? A. Eagles, falcons, kites, buzzards, and hawks. Q. In what do they resemble the cat tribe of Carnivorous Mammalia ? A. In preying on living animals. Q. How do they capture their prey ? A. They suddenly dart down upon it, grasp it with their talons, and tear it to pieces with their crooked sharp-toothed bills. Q. Which is the larger of the two, the male or female ? A. The female, which is an exception to the general rule, but her plumage is less bril- liant. Q. Is not the Golden Eagle considered the king of birds? A. Yes; he is justly renowned for his size, strength, and courage. Q. How are eagles distinguished from other birds of prey ? A. The legs and feet are covered with feathers close down to the claws, with a few excep- tions ; such as the Fishing Eagles. 112 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. Cannot the eagle soar higher in the air than any other bird, except the Condor ? A. Yes ; and, in consequence of his surpassing acuteness of vision, he can discern objects at an immense distance, and so ascertain what prey may be within reach. Q. How is it that the eagle can gaze stead- fastly at the sun without being dazzled by his rays ? A. He is furnished with double eyelids, one of which he closes ; thus that is natural to him which men accomplish by the aid of a piece of smoked glass. Q. Are not the eagles very faithful to their mates ? A. Yes, the same pair live together for many years. Q. In what places do they build their nests? A. In the highest trees, clefts of rocks, and on the ledges of mountains. Q. Of what materials do they construct them? A. Of branches of trees, twigs, rushes, sticks, bones, heath, &c. Q. Which are the principal species ? A. The imperial, golden, royal, wedge-tailed, crowned, white-tailed and white-headed sea-eagle. The legs of the two latter are not feathered to the toes. BIRDS OP PREY. 113 Q. For what are Falcons chiefly admired? A. The exquisite symmetry of their forms, the majestic rapidity of their flight, and the ease with which they pursue and bring down their prey whilst on the wing. Q. Was not falconry a sport highly esteemed by our ancestors ? A. Yes ; it flourished in the reigns of both the James's and Charles's. Q. Which are the chief species of the falcon family ? A. The peregrine, black-cheeked, jer-falcon, and the secretary falcon or serpent-eater. Q. What is the Secretary Falcon ? A. A singular bird of Southern Africa, so called from a crest on the head, as it looks like a pen stuck behind a writer's ear. Q. Why is it also termed " serpent-eater"? A Because it kills and eats considerable num- bers of those reptiles. Q. Are Vultures equally courageous with the falcon tribe ? A. No ; they are of a cowardly disposition, and rarely attack living animals. Q. Are not vultures regarded as the scavengers of the East ? A. Yes ; they live entirely on dead or decaying animal remains, of which they eat immense quantities, and thus are of great service in 1 14 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. getting rid of matter which, in hot cli- mates, would putrefy and cause disease. Q. What countries do they inhabit? A. The hotter parts of Asia and South America. Q. Name a few of the principal species. A. The condor, king vulture, sociable vulture, and Egyptian neophron. Q. Does not the Condor soar to an immense height ? A. Yes ; he frequently rises above the highest summits of the Andes, attaining an ele- vation of about 28,000 feet. Q. When do the falcon and vulture tribes seek their prey ? A. In the day-time. Q. What are the Owls ? A. A family of Accipitrine Birds, which seek their food at night. Q. How do they secure their prey ? A. The soft and downy texture of their plumage and the peculiar form of their wing feathers enable them to approach their victim noise- lessly, when, instantly seizing it with their claws, they carry it off to their retreat. Q. What peculiarity is there respecting the external toe of these birds ? A. They can move it backwards or forwards at pleasure. V^LAdd II. AVta. ORDER II. INSESSORES. J«UB-()RDER 1. COXIkOSTRKS. '*!^- Sun-OnntK -2. Dkntikdmk ROOK. — (CORVCS FR-fJII.FGi;S.) iED-BACKED SHRIKE.— (^LAiJICS COILURIO.^ »UB-()Ki>ti; 3. I b Nuiuiivi i;ks UK-OKKK.K 4. Fi>mi;^>.sti;es ORDER III. SCANSORES. ORF.ZiJ WOODPECKER.— (PICDS VIRIDIS.) ORDER IV. RASORES. PERCHING BIRDS. 115 Q. On what do they principally live ? A. Rats, mice, bats, frogs, small birds, and insects. Q. Where do they build their nests ? A. In hollow trees, crevices of rocks, and in nooks and corners of old towers, churches, and ruined buildings. Q. Can owls see best in the darkest nights ? A. No ; their vision is clearest during moon- light or twilight. Q. Which are the most remarkable species ? A. The barn or screech owl, tav/ny owl, great horned owl, and the great snowy owl. Order 2. PercJnng Birds. (Insessores.) Q. What are the Insessores, or second order of birds ? A. Perching birds. The term " Passeres " is not unfrequently applied to this group. Q. Why are they called Perching Birds ? A. Because their feet are formed for grasping or perching on boughs, twigs, 8cc. Q. Are not birds of this Order more numerous than that of any other ? A. Yes ; for it comprehends all which live among the trees, with the exception of rapacious and climbing birds. I 116 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. IIow many toes have the Insessores ? A. Four ; viz., tliree projecting forwards, and one hackvvards, each being furnished with a shghtly curved claw. Q. Wliere do they buihl their nests ? A. In trees, hedges, &c., and they always live in pairs. Q. On what do they subsist ? A. On fruit, grain, seeds, and insects. Q. Are not all the singing birds comprised in this order ? A. Yes. Q. Into hovr many subdivisions are the Perching Birds usually arranged ? A. Into four ; viz. : — 1. Conicnl-billed. (CoNiROSTRES.) 2. Tootli-bilh^d. (Dentirostrks.) 3. Gaping-bilied. (Fissirostres.) 4. Slender-billed. (Tenuirostres.) Q. By what are the Conirostres known ? A. By their strong conical bills, which are nei- ther toothed nor indented. Q. By what are the Dentirostres distinguislied ? A. The edge of the ui)per mandible is notched, and they have bristles on each corner of the mouth. Q. By what are the Fissirostres characterised ? A. By their broad, short, and partially hooked bill ; except in the kingfishers and todies, whose bills are long and straight. PERCHING BIRDS. 117 Q. Wliat chiefly distinguishes the Tenuirostres? A. Their long-, slender bills, forked tongues, and beautiful plumage. Q. Of what does the Conirostres or first sub- division of Perching birds consist ? A. Of ravens, crows, jackdaws, magpies, jays, starlings, finches, hornbills, and crossbills. Q. On what do they mostly feed ? A. On grain, seeds, fruit, vegetables, and insects, and are therefore said to be omnivorous. Q. Are there not some which feed on grain and seeds only ? A. Yes ; and they are said to be granivorous. The young, however, are fed on worms and insects. Q. Can they walk or hop easily and firmly on the ground ? A. Yes. Q. Which is the largest of the British perching birds ? A. The Kaven. Q. Is not the raven very long-lived ? A. Yes ; he has been known to reach the age of 100 years. Q. Was not the croaking of tliis bird regarded in former ages with superstitious awe? A, Yes; it was supposed to be the sure harbinger of evil. I 2 118 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. Does not the common Crow feed on carrion ? A. Yes, when pressed by hunger. Q. In Avhose reign were laws enacted for the de- struction of the carrion crow ? A. In that of Henry the Eighth. Q. "Wherein does the carrion crow differ from the Rook ? A. In the base of the bill, which in the latter bird is covered with a rough skin. Q. Is not the rook believed to be the only bird which, having once forsaken its nest, will re- occupy it again ? A. Yes ; it repairs to its old abode and renews its tenancy year after year. Q. Are not rooks exceedingly jealous of new comers into their colonies ? A. Yes ; and it requires the utmost vigilance and courage of the young birds to secure their new habitation from destruction. Q. Are they not great enemies to the farmer? A. Many think so ; but others are of opinion that the loss of the grain they devour is more than compensated by the myriads of insects which they destroy. Q. Which of the Crow family are noted for their thievish and mischievous propen- sities ? A, Magpies and jackdaws. PERCHING BIRDS. 119 Q. Are not the Finches exceedingly numerous ? A. Yes; and, from their being mostly songsters, are universal favourites. Q. What birds are included in the finches ? A.. Goldfinches, canaries, bullfinches, larks, lin- nets, buntings, chaffinches, sparrows, &c. ^. Are they not granivorous in their diet ? A. Yes ; they live on grain and seeds, although they all feed their young on caterpillars and insects. Q. Which of the finches is renowned for the charming melody of his song as he soars in the clear morning sky? A. The lark ; the three species most worthy of notice being the sky, wood, and tit lark. Q. In what countries are the Hornbills found? A. In the hottest parts of Asia and Africa. Q. For what are they distinguished ? A. For the extreme length and size of their bills, which have a curious bony protube- rance on the base. Q. What are their habits ? A. They perch on the highest trees^ are exces- sively noisy, and feed on fruits, grain, mice, reptiles, insects, and even carrion. Q. How are the beaks of the Crossbills formed ? A. The tips, instead of meeting together, pass each other like a pair of scissors. I 3 120 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. Is not the wisdom of God displayed in this, as in all His other arrangements? A. Yes ; for by it these birds can much more readily extract the seeds of the fir cones, on which they live. Q. What countries do they inhabit ? A. The north of Europe and America. Q. Of what does the Dentirostres or second subdivision of Perching birds consist ? A. Of shrikes, thrushes, chatterers, warblers, and fly-catchers. Q. On what do these birds principally subsist? A. On insects. Q. Are not Shrikes remarkable for their rapa- city? A. Yes; and, from the f\ict of their impaling their victims on thorns, they have earned the name of butcher-birds. Q. Are not the Thrushes a most interesting family ? A. Yes ; their sweet and musical song excites general admiration. Q. Name some of the birds belonging to this family. A. The blackbird, song-thrush, missel-thrush, hermit-thrush, redwing, and mocking-bird. Q. Where are the Chatterers found ? A. Chiefly in America, only one species being known in Europe. PERCHING BIRDS. 121 Q. For what are they remarkable ? A. For a very wide throat, which enables them to swallow entire the insects, berries, and small fruits on which they live. Q. Which are the principal members of that extensive and vocal group the Warblers ? A. The nightingales, wagtails, robin redbreasts, and stonechats. Q. Are they not mostly migratory in their habits ? A. Yes ; they usually appear at spring time, and take their departure at the fall of the year for more congenial climates. Q. What are the Fly-catchers ? A. Birds about the size of the sparrow ; they are very numerous, and derive their name from their habit of capturing their insect prey while on the wing. Q. What birds compose the Fissirostres, or third subdivision of Perching Birds ? A. Swallows, goat-suckers, bee-eaters, king- fishers, and todies. Q. Do they not take their prey while on the wing? A. Yes; by suddenly opening their mouths they readily catch the insects upon which they live. I 4 122 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. Is not the Swallow tribe extremely rapid in its flight? A. Yes ; they surpass most other birds, and sometimes fly at the rate of a mile a minute. Q. Are they not migratory ? A. Yes, they arrive in the spring and depart in the autumn. Q. Are Goat-suckers diurnal or nocturnal in their habits ? A. They are crepuscular, or twilight birds, prey- ing on moths, beetles, gnats, and other insects which fly about in the evening. Q. Why was the name of Goat-sucker given to them? A. Because in former ages it was believed they sucked the teats of goats. Q. Was this notion correct ? A. No ; they are more properly termed night- jars, from a peculiar whirring or jarring noise they make in the evening. Q. What two American species are renowned for the singularity of their cry ? A. The whip-poor-will and chuck-wills-widow. Q. What are the Bee-eaters ? A. Birds of brilliant plumage, having long pointed wings like swallows, with sharp and partially curved beaks, Q. AYhy are they called bee-eaters ? A. Because they prey on bees and wasps. PERCHING BIRDS. 123 Q. What countries do they inhabit ? A. Asia, Africa, and the warmer portions of Europe. Q. For what are Kingfishers remarkable ? A. For the beauty of their plumage ; they have long beaks, short feet and wings. Q. Where are they generally to be met with ? A. Near rivers, brooks, lakes, and ponds. Q. On what do they feed ? A. On small fish. Q, Do not the Todies bear a considerable resem- blance to the kingfisher ? A. Yes. Q. To what country do they belong ? A. To the hotter parts of America. Q. Of what does tlieir food consist ? A. Of insects, worms, and spiders. Q. F'rom what do they derive their subsistence? A. From the juices of plants and flowers, as well as berries and insects. Q. What birds are included in the Tenuirostres or fourth subdivision of Perching birds ? A. Humming-birds, sun-birds, hoopoes, birds of paradise, honey-suckers, and creepers. Q. To what country do Humming-birds belong? A. To South America and the West Indies. 124 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTOKT. Q. What is the size of some of these little crea- tures ? A. The smallest is about an inch long ; they are supposed to be the most diminutive of the feathered race. Q. Why are they called "humming-birds"? A. From a peculiar sound, which is produced by the flapping of their wings while hovering over a flower. Q. How many species are there? A. They are said to exceed three hundred. Q. Are they not of a quarrelsome disposition ? A. Yes ; they rarely meet without a furious battle, and they not unfrequently attack bees. Q. How are their nests constructed? A. The outside is formed of lichen, leaves, and moss, and the inside lined with the down of the cotton plant. Q. Where are the Sun-birds found? A. In Africa and India ; and they have a most brilliant plumage. Q. What are the Hoopoes ? A. Beautifully crested birds about the size of a thrush ; they are chiefly to be met with in Egypt during the receding of the waters of the Nile ; and one species is occasionally found in England. CLIMBING BIRDS. 125 Q. For what are the Birds of Paradise remark- able? A. For the unrivalled beauty, variety, and deli- cacy of their plumage. They are sometimes used as ornaments for ladies' head-dresses. Q. What are their habits ? A. They feed on insects, are rapid in their flight, and live together in flocks. Q. To what country do they belong ? A. Almost exclusively to New Guinea and the neighbouring isles. Q. By what are the Honey-suckers known from the former tribes ? A. Their strong notched bill, and filamentous tongue, by means of which they suck up the juices of flowers. Q. Of what country are they natives ? A. Australia. Q. What are the Creepers and Nut-hatches ? A. Small birds which feed principally on bark insects, and live chiefly among the branches and on the trunks of trees. Order 3. Climbing Birds. (Scansores.) Q. What are the Scansores, or third order of birds ? A. Climbing birds. 126 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. Have not birds of this order a remarkable peculiarity in the outward or external toe ? A. Yes ; they can turn it backwards, so that they appear to have two before and two behind. Q. Can they walk readily on the ground ? A, No ; their feet being adapted for climbing, they spend most of their time among the trees. Q. On what do they generally subsist ? A. On insects and fruits. Q. How many families or tribes are comprised in this order of climbing-birds? A. Four. Q. Name them ? A. Parrots, toucans, woodpeckers, and cuckoos. Q. What distinguishes the Parrot tribes? A. The rich colours of their plumage, and their short, hard, and strongly curved beaks, which assist them in clambering from branch to branch. Q. By what are the Toucan tribe recognised ? A. They have arched and notched bills of pro- digious size, which, in some species, are nearly as large as their bodies. Q. By what are the Woodpeckers characterised? A, By their long, straight, and wedge-shaped bill ; long, tapering tongue, which is barbed at the point, and short leet. CLIMBING BIRDS. 127 Q. What are the chief distinguishing features of the Cuckoo tribe ? A. They have slightly arched and compressed beaks ; short, slender legs ; the feet having two toes before and two behind. Q. Are not the Parrot tribes natives of tropical climates ? A. Yes ; but occasionally they are to be met with in the warmer temperate regions. Q. Do not their docility and imitative powers render them general favourites ? A. Yes ; for, notwithstanding that in their na- tural state their voices are extremely harsh and discordant, yet, when tame, they are susceptible of a high degree of cultivation. Q. What birds belong to the parrot tribes ? A. Parrots, macaws, cockatoos, lories, paro- quets, &c. Q. How are the Cockatoos known from the true parrots ? A. Their head is adorned with a beautiful crest of feathers, which they can raise or depress at pleasure. Q. What kind of motion have the Toucans? A. They hop lightly and easily from bough to bough, but fly with considerable difficulty. Q. Are they not omnivorous ? A. Yes ; they feed on almost anything ; fish, 128 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. flesh, insects, reptiles, and fruits are alike acceptable to them. Q. How do they manage to swallow their food ? A. They toss it in the air, and catch, it as it falls. Q. Have they not a very singular tongue ? A. Yes ; it is long, narrow, and barbed like a feather. Q. What country do they inhabit ? A. The tropical districts of America. Q. What kind of bills have the Woodpeckers ? A. They are long, wedge-shaped at the end, and exceedingly strong. Q. Are they not admirably suited to the habits of these birds ? A. Yes ; for with them they can readily per- forate the bark of trees in search of the insects on which they feed. Q. Have they not curiously formed tongues ? A. Yes ; they are long and tapering towards the tip, which is barbed ; and are also covered with a glutinous secretion, to which their insect prey adheres. Q. What sort of feet have they ? A. They are short and strongly made ; two of the toes project forwards and two back- wards, and each one is surmounted with a stout hooked claw. SCRATCHING BIRDS. 129 Q. Do they not derive considerable assistance from their tail feathers when climbing the perpendicular trunks of trees ? A. Yes ; the tail feathers being sharp pointed and bent inwards, are pressed into the bark, thus affording them additional support. Q. Are they numerous? A. Yes ; species are to be found in most coun- tries, excepting Australia. Q. Where do the Cuckoos deposit their eggs? A. Most of the species place them in the nests of other birds, and then forsake them. Q. How does the newly hatched cuckoo secure the undivided attention of the foster parent ? A. It jerks all the other eggs out of the nest. Q. Are cuckoos migratory ? A. Yes ; they seek the warmer latitudes on the approach of winter. Q. On what do they feed ? A. Moths, caterpillars, snails, cherries, and other small fruits. Order 4. Scratching Birds. (Rasores.) Q. Of what do the Rasores, or fourth order of birds consist ? A. Of Scratching birds. 130 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. What is meant by Scratching Birds? A. Such as are provided with claws adapted for raking up grain, seeds, worms, &c., from the ground. Q. By Avhat other name is this Order frequently called ? A. Gallinacese, or Gallinaceous birds. It com- prehends all those commonly known as *' poultry." Q. What are the general characteristics of this order ? A. They have bulky bodies, short wings, mode- rate-sized bills, generally arched, strong legs ; most of the male birds are crested, and they are exceedingly social in their habits. Q. Are not birds of this order easily domesti- cated and made subservient to the suste- nance of man ? A. Yes ; and they are likewise very prolific. Q. Do not some of them experience difficulty in flying? A. Yes, the Gallinacece, or domestic fowls ; and they therefore spend most of their time on the ground, picking up grain, seeds, grubs, &c. Q. What families belong to the order of scratch- ing birds ? A. Four ; viz., the pheasant and fowl, iirouse, and pigeon tribes, together with the Curas- sow birds of America. SCRATCHING BIRDS. 131 Q. What characterises the Pheasant and Fowl tribes ? A. They have spurs on the legs, the hinder toe is very short, and they stand unrivalled fur the beauty of their tails. Q. What are the characteristics of the Grouse tribe ? A. Their eyes are encircled with a red naked skin, their bills are short and curved, and their legs (excepting the partridge's) are feathered close down to the toes. Q. For what are the Pigeon tribe chiefly re- markable ? A. For the singular power with which they are endowed of distending the crop, and storing in it food for their young. No other birds possess this peculiarity. Q. What are the Curassows ? A. Large birds about the size of the turkey, liaving a considerably developed hinder toe, and no spurs. They are indigenous to America. Q. What birds are comprised in the Pheasant and Fowl tribes? A. Peacocks, turkeys, guinea-fowl, pheasants, and the common domestic fowl. Q. Is not the Peacock admired for the gorgeous brilliancy and magnificence of his train ? A. Yes J this, combined with the exquisitely 132 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. beautiful and glossy tints which adorn the head and neck, render it one of the most splendid of the feathered race. Q. To what country does it properly belong ? A. To India, and the adjacent islands. Q. From whence were Turkeys first introduced into Europe ? A. From North America. Q. In what counties of England are these birds bred in the greatest numbers? A. In Norfolk and Suffolk. Q. Where are Guinea-fowl found in their natural or wild state ? A. lu Africa and the West India Islands, where large flocks may be seen in the marshy districts. Q. Are not Pheasants much esteemed for the beauty of their plumage as well as the deli- cacy of their flesh ? A. Yes ; next to the peacock they have the rich- est and most variegated colours of all birds. Q. From what country were they originally im- ported into Europe ? A. From the banks of the Kiver Phasis in Asia Minor. Q. Which are the principal varieties of the com- mon Domestic Fowl? A. The Game, Dorking, Poland, Spanish, and Bantam breeds ; tliere are many others, but of minor importance. SCRATCHING BIRDS. 133 Q. From whence is it supposed that the ordinary domestic fowls were first introduced into Europe ? A. From India or Persia. Q. What birds are comprehended in the Grouse tribe ? A. Wood grouse, black-cock, ruffed grouse, moor-cock, ptarmigan, pinnated grouse, par- tridges, quails, 8:c. Q. Is not the pinnated grouse a very curious species ? A. Yes ; the male has a pair of short supple- mental wings, which are attached to the neck ; and, during the pairing season, the male birds assemble themselves togeth and engage in the fiercest battles. Q. What countries are frequented by the Grouse tribe ? A. The colder regions of Europe, Asia, and America. Q. What birds are included in the Pigeon tribe ? A. Pigeons and doves. Q. Do they not associate in pairs ? A. Yes ; and both male and female sit alter- nately on the eggs. Q. AVhcre do they build their nests? A. In trees and hollows of rocks. K 2 134 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY, Q. Have they not a singular method of feeding their young? A. Yes ; the crop of the parent bird becomes distended on each side the gullet, and se- cretes a milky fluid which is mixed with the food; and this food is afterwards dis- gorged for the sustenance of the young ones. Q. What doves are natives of Britain ? A. Ring-doves, stock-doves, turtle-doves, and rock-pigeons. Q. For what are pigeons remarkable? A. For their rapidity of flight, and extraor- dinary acuteness of sight and hearing. Q. What kind of pigeons are used as a sort of aerial-post ? A. The carriers, which are somewhat larger than the ordinary pigeons. Q. At what rate are they said to fly ? A. From sixty to eighty miles an hour. Order 5. Running Birds. (Cursores.) Q. What are the Cursores, or fifth order of birds? A. Running birds. Q. What are the principal characteristics of this order ? A. Tliey have bulky bodies, long necks, and CLASS II. AVES. PI. 1 ORDER V. CURSORES. ORDER VI. GRALLATORES. OSTRICH. — (3IROTHIO C&VEI.OS.) OREAT HERON.— (&RDE A HEKODIAS.) ORDER VII. NATATORES. RUNNING BIRDS. 135 undeveloped wings, and are remarkable for the great size and strength of tlieir legs, which separates them from all other birds. Q. Do the wings of these birds expand suf- ficiently to allow them to fly in the air? A. No ; yet they are of considerable assistance to them while running. Q. How many genera are contained in this or- der ? A. Six. Q. What are they ? A. The African ostrich, American ostrich, cas- sowary, emu, bustard, and apteryx. Q. What is the size of the African ostrich ? A. Frequently from seven to eic:ht feet \u ORDER II. MALACOPTERYGIl. .Sub-Ordek 1. M. Abdomixales CARP. — (CTFRmOS OiP.riO.) .SUB-OKDIsn 3. M. Al'ODKS. COMMON XBL. — (ANOOn^LA VDL0ARI8.) ORDER III. LOPHOBRANCHTI. ORDER IV. PLECTOGNATHI eFA-HORSB. (HirPOCftMPnS BREVIR08TRI3. GI.OB?- FISH. — (TETRiODON HISPtCDS.^ ORDER V. CHONDROPTERYGII .SUU-ORDKR 1. BraNCHIIS LiBEI COMMON 8TUROK0N. (AOOIPBMSER STURIO.) SlB-OUDEB 2. KRANCUIIS F.XIS. SPINY-FINNED FISHES. 173 Q. How are the Chaetodons known ? A. By their short and broad bodies, which are deeply marked with scaly bands ; they have a single dorsal fin ; and the fins are only partially covered with small scales. Q. What are the chief features of the Mackarel tribe ? A. They have long smooth bodies, covered with exceedingly small scales ; long, narrow, pectoral fins ; and strong, forked, caudal fins. Q. Are not these families very numerous ? A. Yes ; they are found in most rivers and seas of the temperate portions of the globe. Q. Name some of the chief members of the Perch family. A. Perch, basse, ruffe, weever, striped red mullet, plain red mullet, &c. Q. What fishes are comprehended in the Gur- nard family ? A. Gurnard, flying gurnard, miller's-thumb, fa- ther-lasher, bull-head, stickleback, &c. Q. What fishes belong to the Chaetodon family? A. Chaetodon, parrot-fish, wrasse, archer-fish, &c. Q. What fishes are comprised in the Mackarel family ? A. Mackarel, tunny, bonito, sword-fish, pilot- fish, scad, dory, boar-fish, dolphin, &c. 174 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. Which of these is most valuable to man as an article of food ? A. The mackarel ; myriads of which are an- nually taken near our coasts. Nearly 24,000,000 are said to have been sold in one year at Billingsgate market. Q. What is the Sword-fish ? A. A member of the mackarel family, from ten to twenty feet in length. Q. From what does it take its name? A. Its long, powerful, and sword-like beak. Q. Is it not of a very fierce disposition ? A. Yes ; and it is not at all uncommon for it to dart its beak into the planking of a ship, and break it in its struggles to free itself. Q. Is it not exceedingly swift in its movements? A. Yes ; it is said to be the most rapid swimmer in the ocean. Q. Where is the Sword-fish most abundant ? A. In the Mediterranean Sea. Q. What fish belonging to the Spiny-finned fishes frequently tj-avels overland ? A. The climbing perch of India. Q. How is it enabled to live out of its usual element ? A. It is provided with a receptacle at the back part of the mouth to contain water, with which the gills are kept moist. SOFT-FINNED FISHES. 175 Order 2. Soft-finned Fishes. (LIalacop- TERYGII.) Q. Into how many sub-divisions is the Mala- copterygii or Second Order of Osseous Fishes usually arranged ? A. Into three ; according to the position or entire absence of the ventral fins. Q. What is the first sub-division of Soft-finned Fishes called ? A. Malacopterygii Abdominales. Q. By what is it distinguished ? A. The ventral fins are placed in the abdomen, and considerably behind the pectoral fins. Q. What is the second sub-division of Soft- finned fishes called ? A. Malacopterygii Sub-brachiales. Q. By what is this second sub-division cha- racterised ? A. By the ventral fins being placed directly under the pectoral fins. Q. What is the third sub-division of Soft-finned fishes termed ? A. Malacopterygii Apoda. Q. How are the Apodes distinguished ? A. By their long, round, flexible bodies ; and by the absence of ventral fins. 176 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. What Families are comprised in the first sub-division, or Malacopterygii Abdomi- nales? A. Carp, pike, silurus, salmon, and herring. Q. What are the characteristics of the Carp family ? A. They have small mouths, weak jaws, and are mostly destitute of teeth. Q. How are the Pike family known ? A. By their long slender bodies, a projecting lower jaw, and only one dorsal fin near tlie tail. They are extremely voracious and destructive in their habits. Q. For what is the Silurus chiefly distinguished? A. The absence of true scales ; its body having a naked skin, or else covered with bony plates. Q. What are the prevailing features of the Sal- mon family ? A. They have compressed elongated bodies, covered with scales, and naked fins ; the dorsal fin being adipose, or fatty. Q. What are the chief characteristics of the Herring family? A. The absence of adipose or fatty matter in the dorsal fin, and the body being inva- riably covered with true scales. SOFT-FINNED FISHES. 177 Q. Name some of the fishes included in the Carp family. A. Carp, chubb, dace, roach, goldfish, barbel, gudgeon, minnow, tench, and bream. Q. On what do they feed ? A. On seeds, vegetables, insects, and worms, Q. Where are they generally found ? A. In fresh and still waters. Q. Name some of the members of the Pike family. A. Pike, garfish, and flying-fish. Q. Is not the Pike remarkable for its size ? A. Yes ; it is not unfrequently found from thirty to seventy pounds in weight; but the largest ever known was nearly nine- teen feet long, and weighed three hun- dred and fifty pounds. Q. Has it not been known to attain a great age? A. Yes ; the one above mentioned was ascer- tained to be 237 years old, from an inscrip- tion on a ring which was attached to it by order of the Emperor Frederic the Se- cond, in 1230. Q. For what are flying-fish particularly distin- guished ? A. For the extraordinary length of the pectoral flns, which enables them to fly for some distance through the air. 178 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. Do these fishes, when flying, move their fins in the same manner that birds move their wings ? A. No ; they do not in reality fly or propel themselves forward by a bird-like movement of their fins, but merely leap into the air, and prolong their leap by means of their pectoral fins; and they cannot turn, but always move in a forward direction. Q. Is there not a large species of the Silurus family found in the rivers and lakes of Europe ? A. Yes ; it has been met with fifteen feet in length, and is common to most of the fresh waters in Austria, Hungary, and Switzer- land. Q. Is it not remarkable for the capacity of its throat ? A. Yes ; this fish has been found so large that it could easily swallow a child. Q. Is there not a small species of Silurus found in the African rivers ? A. Yes ; it is about twelve inches long ; and has the power of imparting electrical shocks like the torpedo. Q. What fish are comprised in the Salmon fa- mily ? A. Salmon, charr, grayling, trout, capelin, smelt, &c. SOFT- FINNED FISHES. 179 Q. Are they not much esteemed as articles of food? A. Yes; particularly the salmon, salmon-trout, and trout. Q. Is not the Salmon exceedingly persevering in its efforts to overcome any obstacles which may oppose its ascent up a river at the spawning season ? A. Yes ; they can swim against the strongest currents, and leap up cataracts from ten to nineteen feet high. Q. What rivers in Scotland and Ireland are famous for their Salmon ? A. The Tweed and Shannon ; considerable quantities are also to be met with in most of the large rivers of the United Kingdom. Q. Is the Salmon a large fish ? A. Yes ; some have been caught weighing up- wards of forty pounds. Q. Which of the Salmon family are fresli-water fish? A. The charr, grayling, and trout ; the others are migratory in their habits, alternately frequenting both salt and fresh waters. Q. What fish are comprised in the Herring fa- mily ? A. Herrings, pilchards, shads, sardines, an- chovies, sprats, whitebait, &c. N 180 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. Which of these fishes are most important to man? A. The herring and pilchard ; of which enor- mous quantities are annually taken. Q. Is not Gottenburg in Sweden celebrated for its herring fishery ? A. Yes ; as many as 700,000,000 are stated to have been caught in one year. And at the London Billingsgate market the number sold in one year is estimated at about 100,000,000. Q. What part of England is renowned for its Pilchard fisheries ? A. Cornwall ; the average produce being from 60,000,000 to 100,000,000 yearly. Q. How many families are comprehended in the Malacopterygii Sub-brachiales, or second subdivision of Malacopterygious fishes ? A. Three ; viz., cod, flatfish, and suckers. Q. By what are the Cod family characterised ? A. By their smooth, slimy, elongated bodies, which are covered with small soft scales ; large naked heads ; wide mouths ; filaments at the tip of the lower jaws; and small ventral fins. Q. What are the prevailing features of the Flat- fish family ? A. They have thin, oval bodies, which are SOFT-FIXNED FISHES. 181 nearly encircled by the dorsal and ventral fins; both eyes are on the upper side, whicli is dark coloured, while the lower side is white. Q. By what are the Suckers known ? A. By their slimy, scaleless bodies, and broad, pectoral fins ; the ventral fins are united by a thin membrane and form a disc, or sucker, by which they attach themselves to living and inanimate substances. Q. What fishes belong to the Cod family ? A. Cod, haddock, ling, coal-fish, whiting, hake, burbot, &c. Q. Are they not valuable as food for man ? A. Yes ; and from their wholesomeness and abundance their importance can scarcely be over-estimated. Q. In what seas are they chiefly found ? A. In those of cold and temperate climates ; more especially near the coasts of England and Holland ; and on the banks of New- foundland. Q. Do they not yield a valuable oil ? A. Yes ; that obtained from the liver of the codfish is celebrated for its medicinal pro- perties. Q. Is not Newfoundland renowned for its ex- tensive Cod fisheries ? A. Yes ; it is estimated that upwards of N 2 182 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. 36,000,000 are taken yearly on its banks, employing upwards of 20,000 seamen, and 6,000 vessels. Q. "What fishes belong to the Flat-fish family ? A. Halibut, turbot, plaice, brill, soles, dab, flounders, &c. Q. Wherein do they materially differ from the generality of fishes ? A. Their sides are extremely flattened ; and both eyes are situated on the dark-coloured side, which is always uppermost when the fish is in motion. Q. Which is the largest species of this family ? A. The halibut ; sometimes reaching six or seven feet in length, and from 400 to 500 pounds in weight. It is found in the Northern Seas. Q. Which of the Flat-fish family is most highly prized ? A. The turbot ; by the epicure, on account of the delicacy of its flesh ; and by the mer- chant, as a profitable article of commerce. Q. Do not the members of this family usually swim near the bottom ? A. Yes ; they have a wave-like motion, and having no air-bladder, they seldom rise to the surface. Q. Are the Suckers a numerous family? A. No ; their species are few in number ; the SOFT-FINNED FISHES. 183 two most worthy of notice are the lumji-fish, and the remora or sucking-fish. Q, Where is the Lump-Fish found? A. Principally near the coasts of Greenland. Q. By what means does the Lump-Fish attach itself to other substances ? A. The ventral-fins are so united as to form a kind of disc, which acts as a powerful sucker. Q. Are these fish ever used as food ? A. Only by the inhabitants of Greenland. Q. What marine animal of the Mammalia preys upon them ? A. The seal. Q. What is the Remora or Sucking-fish ? A. It is a herring-shaped fish, about twenty inches long, inhabiting the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Q. How does it fasten itself to other bodies ? A. By means of an oval disc on the crown of tlie head. Q. Of how many families do the Apodes, or third subdivision of Malacopterygious fishes consist? A. Of one only; viz., the eel, of which there are several species. Q. Which are the principal species? A. The common eel, conger eel, and the gymno- tus or electric eel. N 3 184 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. Do not Eels inhabit both fresh and salt waters ? A. Yes ; but they are most frequently found in rivers, lakes, and sometimes in stagnant pools. Q. What is the size of the common Eel ? A. It varies from one to three feet in length. Q. Is it not an exceedingly nutritious article of diet? A. Yes. Q. Where is the Conger Eel found ? A. In most European seas. Q. Is it not much larger than the common Eel ? A. Yes ; it ranges from four to ten feet in length, and from eight to fourteen inches in circumference. Q. What is the Gymnotus or Electric Eel ? A. A fish from five to six feet long, found in the South American rivers. Q. Does it not possess a very high degree of electrical power ? A. Yes ; the shocks are so severe as completely to stun both men and animals, and in some instances to cause death. TUFT-GILLED FISHES. 185 Order 3. Tuft-gilled Fishes, (Lopho- BRANCHn.) Q. Are there many families belonging to the Lophobranchii, or Third Order of" Osseous Fishes ? A. No, one only ; and its members are gene- rally small and meagre in appearance. Q. Name some of the principal genera. A. The Pipe-Fish, Hippocampus or Sea-Horse, and the Pegasus or Flying- Horse. Q. Is not the Hippocampus a singular looking fish? A. Yes ; and from the striking resemblance of the head and neck to that of the horse, it has obtained the name of sea-horse. Q. Have they not prehensile tails ? A. Yes ; and with these they attach themselves to anything that comes in their way. Q. By what is the Pegasus distinguished ? A. By two large ventral fins at the back of the pectoral fins. Order 4. Plaited-Jawed Fishes. (Plec- TOGNATHI.) Q. What fishes belong to the Plectognathi, or Fourth Order of Osseous Fishes ? A. The diodon or globe-fish, sun-fish, file-fish, frog-fish, and trunk-fish. 186 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. Do not some of these attain to a considerable size ? A. Yes ; the sun-fish has been found about ten feet long, and weighing nearly five hundred pounds ; all of them have a singular ap- pearance, and are totally unfit for the food of man. Q. Where are they chiefly found ? A. In the Indian and American Seas. Division 2. — CARTILAGINOUS FISHES. ( ChONDROPT ERYGII. ) Q. Into how many groups is the Chondrop- terygii, or Order of Cartilaginous Fishes arranged ? A. Two ; viz., Loose-gilled fishes, and Fixed- gilled fishes. Q. What is meant by Loose-Gilled Fishes ? A. Those in which the gills are fastened by one edge only, and hang like a fringe. Q. What are Fixed-gilled Fishes ? A. Those -whose gills are secured by both edges. Q. Of what Family does the first group consist ? A. Of the sturgeon, of which there are several species. Q. What is the size of the Sturgeon ? A. From six to thirty feet, and sometimes weighing nearly 3000 lbs. CARTILAGINOUS FISHES. 187 Q. Are they migratory in their habits ? A. Yes ; they ascend the river from the sea to deposit their spawn, and afterwards return to the sea again. Q. Where are they chiefly found ? A. In the northern seas ; but the largest species inhabit the Black and Caspian Seas. The common Sturgeon is sometimes found on the English coasts ; and one was captured in 1843 in the Thames at Nine Elms. Q. How are the fins of the Sturgeon placed? A. The pectoral fins, which are of moderate size, are just under the gills; the dorsal, ventral, and anal fins, are situated near the tail, the two latter being immediately be- neath the former. Q. On what does the Sturgeon feed ? A. On small fish, worms, and aquatic vege- tables. Q. What article of food is made from the roe of tlie Sturgeon ? A. Caviar ; and isinglass is also prepared from the air-bladder. Q. Is not the flesh of this fish considered a luxury ? A. Yes ; it is likewise very wholesome and nutritious. 188 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY. Q. How many families are there of the Fixed- gilled Cartilaginous fishes ? A. Three ; viz., sharks, rays, and lampreys. Q. What are the principal features of the Shark family ? A. They have long bodies, which, with the fins, are covered with a hard skin. Their large mouths are situated at some distance under- neath and behind the snout, and are fur- nished with rows of strong, sharp-pointed, saw-like teeth. Q. By what are the Ray family distinguished ? A. By their broad, flattened bodies, which are more or less covered with spines ; and the pectoral fins nearly surround the body. Q. For what are the Lampreys remarkable ? A. For their long, smooth, cylindrical bodies ; leech-like mouth, adapted for suction ; and the absence of both pectoral and ventral fins. Q. What fishes belong to the Shark family ? A. Sharks, dog-fish, angel -fish, and saw-fish. Q. Are not the members of this family regarded as the most formidable of the finny race ? A. Yes ; they are all distinguished for their ex- treme voracity ; but the white shark is the most dreaded. CARTILAGINOUS FISHES. , 189 Q. Does not the White Shark often attain to a large size ? A. It has been known to measure thirty feet in length. Q. Can the Shark seize his prey while swimming forward ? A. No ; the mouth being placed so far from the snout and under the head, it is obliged to change its position in order to attack its victim. Q. Can the Shark swallow large substances ? A. Yes ; a wliite shark was taken off the island of St. Margaret's, which weighed 1500 lbs., and the stomach contained the body of a horse. Q. Are they not excellent swimmers ? A. Yes ; they can follow the swiftest ships for many miles. Q. Where do Sharks most abound ? A. In the warmer latitudes, and occasionally they have been found near the English coast. Q. What is Shagreen ? A. The prepared skin of the shark. Q. Are not Dog-fish very numerous near the coasts of England and Scotland ? A. Yes ; and in the latter country they form an important article of food for the lower orders. 190 THE STEPPING STONE TO NATURAL HISTOEY. Q. Is not the rough skin- of the Dog-fish much used by mechanics ? A. Yes; the skin of the clog-fish and angel-fish are both used by cabinet-makers, joiners, &C.5 to polish wood, ivory, and other sub- stances. Q. From what does the Saw-fish derive its name ? A. The peculiar form of the snout, which has the appearance of a flat blade with both edges serrated like a saw. Q. Is not the Saw -fish a great enemy to the Whale? A. Yes ; it fearlessly attacks the largest whales, and inflicts the severest wounds. Q. What fishes are comprised in the Ray family ? A. Ray, skate, thornback, torpedo, &c. Q. What is it that constitutes the Torpedo the most remarkable of the Ray Tribe ? A. Its power of communicating electric shocks, similar to that of the gymnotas or electric eel. Q. Where is it mostly found ? A. In the Mediterranean Sea. Q. What is the Third Family of Cartilaginous fixed-gilled Fishes ? A. The lampreys ; comprising the lampreys, hags, stonegriss, and lancelots. CAHTILAGINOUS FISHES. 191 Q. Wliicli are the principal species of Lam- preys ? A. The sea and river lampreys : the former attains the length of three feet, while the latter seldom exceeds fifteen inches. THE END. London : Printed by Spottiswoode & Co., li'ew -street- Square. KNOWLEDGE for the YOUNG. New Edition, enlarged and improved, in 18mo. Price One Shilling. THE STEPPING STOA^E TO KNOWLEDGE : CONTAINING UPWARDS OP SEVEN HUNDEED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON MISCELLANEOUS SUBJECTS, ADAPTED TO THE CAPACITY OF INFANT MINDS. By A MOTHER. *** When knowledge is making rapid strides, and the stature of a man is measured by his mind, the necessity of inducing a spirit of inquiry, and exciting a desire of information in young minds, is at once obvious! Human knowledge is at best progressive, and the highest attainments are* gained step by step. How important, then, that the first step should be rendered easy and attractive: so that in ascending the hill of learning new prospects should be unfolded, and fresh interest given to attain the summit. The object of this little work is to implant a daily idea in such young minds as are incapable of great mental exertion ; and to gratify that awakening curiosity, observable in children, which is the spring of knowledge, and which should receive an impetus rather than a restraint. The Questions contain the chief matter of the subject, and from their variety may he unsuspectingly ofiered to the young pupil, cither in tJie morning walk, the twilight hour, or by the evening fireside, without having the semblance of study, or requiring the disliked application. If by these means the Stepping-Stone should lead one little traveller to the path of literature and road of eminence, the humble effort of the Au- thoress will be amply repaid; and she trusts the motive which induces ht r to appear before the public (at the solicitations of her friends), will shield her from the severity of criticism. Lonaon: LONGMAN, BROWN, GREEN, and LONGMANS. Knoivledge for the Young. BY THE SAME AUTHOR, NEW EDITIONS, Uniform witli " Tlie Stepping^-Stone to ICnowledi^e." THE STEPPING-STONE TO GEOGRAPHY; Coii- aining several Hundred Questions and Answers on Geographical Sub- jects. 18mo. price One Shilling. THE STEPPING-STONE TO ENGLISH HISTORY : Containing several Hundred Questions and Answers on the History of England. 18mo. price One Shilling. THE STEPPING-STONE TO BIBLE KNOWLEDGE : Containing several Hundred Questions and Answers on the Old and New Testaments. ISmo. price One Shilling. THE STEPPING-STONE TO BIOGRAPHY : Contain- ing several Hundred Questions and Answers on the Lives of Eminent Men and Women. 18mo. price One Shilling. THE STEPPING-STONE TO ENGLISH GRAMiMAR: Containing several Hundred Questions and Answers on English Gram- mar, adapted to the Capacity of Young Minds. By Mr. P. Sadler. ISmo. price One Shilling. THE STEPPING-STONE TO FRENCH PRONUN- CIATION and CONVERSATION: Containing several Hundred Ques- tions and Answers on the French Language. By Mr. P. Sadler. 18mo. price One ShiUing. THE STEPPING-STONE TO MUSIC : Containing se- veral Hundred Questions on the Science; also a short History of Music. Adapted to the Capacity of Young Children. By Miss Fan.ny Park- hurst. ISmo. price One Shilling. THE STEPPING-STONE TO ROMAN HISTORY: Containing several Hundred Questions and Answers on tlie History of Rome, adapted to the Capacity of Young Minds. By Miss Fanny Park- hurst. 18mo. price One Shilling. THE STEPPING-STONE TO ANIMAL AND VEGE- TABLE physiology. By Mrs. Mary Shield. 18rao. with Wood Engravings, price Oi'e Shilling. THE STEPPING-STONE TO NATURAL HISTORY: Vertebrate or Back-boned Animals. In Two Parts: Part I. Mam- malia; Part II. Birds, Reptiles, and Fishes. By Mr. James Owen. 18nio. price 2s. M. cloth ; or in 2 Parts, price One Shilling each. London: LONGMAN, BROWN, GREEN, and LONGMANS. B 000 004 208 5