Citation
Scripture natural history and guide to general zoology

Material Information

Title:
Scripture natural history and guide to general zoology vol. II
Creator:
Bicknell, W. I.
London Printing and Publishing Company
Place of Publication:
London ;
New York
Publisher:
London Printing and Publishing Company
Publication Date:
Language:
English
Physical Description:
319 p., 300 leaves of plates : col. ill. ; 18 cm.

Subjects

Subjects / Keywords:
Nature in the Bible -- Juvenile literature ( lcsh )
Natural history -- Juvenile literature ( lcsh )
Animals -- Juvenile literature ( lcsh )
Animals in the Bible -- Juvenile literature ( lcsh )
Zoology -- Juvenile literature ( lcsh )
Bldn -- 1892
Spatial Coverage:
England -- London
United States -- New York -- New York
Target Audience:
juvenile ( marctarget )

Notes

General Note:
Added t.-p., illustrated in colors.
General Note:
Includes index.
General Note:
Date of publication from inscription.
Statement of Responsibility:
illustrated by upwards of three hundred coloured engravings, the whole arranged and written from the best and most modern authorities ; by W.I. Bicknell.

Record Information

Source Institution:
University of Florida
Holding Location:
University of Florida
Rights Management:
All applicable rights reserved by the source institution and holding location.
Resource Identifier:
026592482 ( ALEPH )
ALG2448 ( NOTIS )
194274795 ( OCLC )

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Full Text










S
SY HOUSE HECORATOR
APER HANGER



The Baldwin Library

RmB via









REDBREAST AND NEST.



SCRIPTURE

NATURAL HISTORY,

AND
GUIDE T0 GENERAL ZOOLOGY:
ILLUSTRATED BY
UPWARDS OF THREE HUNDRED COLOURED ENGRAVINGS:

THE WHOLE ARRANGED AND WRITTEN FROM THE BEST AND MOST MODERN

AUTHORITIES,

Br W. Il. BICKNELL,

LICENTIATE OF THEOLOGY, AND AUTHOR OF “THE ILLUSTRATED LONDON,’

.THE ILLUSTRATED PARIS,”? ETC., ETC.

VOL. II.

THIRTY-THIRD THOUSAND.

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY THE

LONDON PRINTING AND PUBLISHING COMPANY, LIMITED:
LONDON AND NEW YORK.











PENDULINE TITMICE AND NEST.



ee, ee
eens

arene

ae

aaa EEE

i

eS
we

THE BLUE TITMOUSE.

frequenting the farm-yards, cow-houses, and orchards.
It is also very hardy, and may be brought up without
much trouble, feeding it at first with bread and
milk, afterwards with hemp seed.

Tue Buue Tirmovuse, or Tom-Tit is about an
inch less in length than the great titmouse, and very
much resembles it in colour. The female is some-
what smaller than the male, and her colours not so
bright.

These birds are reputedly very bad gardeners, but
it may be questioned whether such be the fact.
Perhaps the number of caterpillars which they
destroy, is an ample compensation for any little mis-
chief they may commit. Their habits are essentially
the same as the great titmouse.

PENDULINE TITMOUSE AND NEST.

(Parus pendulinus.)

Tue bird now to be described is chiefly remarkable
for the singular nest which it builds. Birds living
near the water are often noticed for some peculiarity
relative to their nests. The kingfisher, for example,
usually chooses a hole in the bank of a river or piece
of water, where it constructs its nest, though often
inconvenienced, or even destroyed, by such a choice.
In like manner the penduline titmouse is always to
be found near the water, on the banks of rivers, or
on marshy ground liable to inundations. Such situa-
tions abounding in tall and strong reeds afford the
architect fine opportunities for hanging its nest over

)





eee ee lB eS ee eS
SS Oa eo

ren

EOE

ne ee ee EEE

SS
SSS

PRA





SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

the water or marsh, but at such a height that no
sudden rise in the water beneath shall affect the pen-
dulous-nest above; while the wetness of the ground
is a sufficient protection from the truant feet of man

but who cannot approach it without hazard.

In the selection of such an abode the bird is not
merely guided by a desire for security, but the situa-
tion also affords an ample supply of food, both vege-
table and animal; the seeds of the aquatic plants
furnishing it with the one, while the innumerable



(
or boy, who may chance to sce this domed domicile,

swarms of flies and other insects abundantly furnish

food being often the reason for the choice of certain
localities. We call it choice, though in fact it is
anything but that, being an unerring inward guid-
ance dictated by its Creator.

The skilfully-wrought cradle, or purse-like nest of
this bird, is usually suspended at or towards the end
of some willow twig, or other flexible branch of an
aquatic tree or shrub. It is woven with the cotton-
like down of the willow or poplar, with an opening

the other. A good supply of a particular kind of
|

in the side for the ingress and egress of the artificers

at other times interwoven among the reed stems
themselves. The eggs herein deposited are generally
six in number, which are white, marked with red
spots.

This singular master-builder never honours Great
Britain with a visit, although far from uncommon in
the southern and eastern parts of Europe. It is
found in Russia, Poland, Hungary, Austria, along the
banks of the Danube, in France also, and in Italy.

2

SS ~~

—



and their young, mostly overhanging the water, or



\



THE YELLOW BUNTING,







THE YELLOW BUNTING.

The top of the head and neck of this warbler is
ash-colour; the back and scapulars reddish-grey ;
the throat white, the lower parts assuming a rosy
tint; the wings and tail blackish, bordered with
reddish white; the end of the tail white. The entire
length of the bird about four and-a-half inches. The
long-tailed titmouse of England greatly resembles
this bird in its architectural propensities, although
very different in other respects.

THE YELLOW BUNTING, AND SNOW
BUNTING.

(Emberiza citrinella.) (Emberiza nivalis.)

Tux family of the buntings is chiefly characterised
by the peculiar construction of the bill. The two
mandibles are moveable, and the edges of each bend
inwards; the opening of the mouth not being in a
straight line, as in other birds, but at the base the
junction is formed by an obtuse angle in the lower
mandible, nearly one-third of its length, which is
received by a corresponding angle in the upper one.
In the latter there is a strong knob, of great use in
breaking the harder kinds of seeds and kernels, on
which the bird feeds. The tongue is narrow, and
tapers to a point like a tooth-pick. The first joint
of the outer toe is joined to that of the middle one.
To a cockney, who scarcely knows the difference
between a sparrow and a peacock, to notice such
differences may appear superfluous and tedious. Our
apology, therefore, for introducing them must be,
VOL. II. F 33



SO
NR









smoke of dingy ’Change-alley, to a cit’s box in the
country, may, for his amusement, be desirous of
knowing the differences found among the birds with
which he may be then surrounded. Birds, like the
wilder animals, find their hunting-grounds so broken
into by an ever-increasing population, that they are
obliged to go farther-a-field fora quiet home. Birds,
for example, which were formerly to be found in
abundance in or near the little fishing village of Chel-
sea, no longer inhabit the densely-populated parish of
St. Luke.

The yellow bunting, or yellow-hammer, as it is
more commonly called, is one of our handsomest
birds, as to plumage; but far from contributing to
the harmony of our groves, is characterised by its
harsh and dissonant voice. Its head, neck, and
upper part of the breast, are yellow, varied with
olive-green; the back and scapulars brownish, in-
clining to green; the wings and wing coverts black-
ish-brown; the greater quills black, edged with
yellow. The length of the bird is about six inches.

The specific character of the yellow bunting ap-
pears to be plain; yet it is remarkable, that scarcely
two of these birds are perfectly similar. Of this our
readers may satisfy themselves, by a transient in-
spection of the’ numerous specimens of this bird
which are in the British museum. The colours of
the female vary but little from those of the male,
excepting about the head, which is not so yellow;






\
( SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY. (
| that the citizen, after he shall have retired from the
t
!
:
,
:
\

the colours also are less bright.
This pretty bird is common throughout the
country, frequenting every lane and hedge. It feeds
34

ie
: een et
ee





So Se OOOO
|

THE SNOW BUNTING.

on various kinds of seeds and insects. The yellow
bunting makes an artless nest, of the basket-work
kind, and lined inside with considerable care. The
locality of the nest is a low bush, or amongst reeds
in moist places. Many nests, however, may be found
built on the ground. Grahame, in his Birds of
Scotland, may tell the rest of the story:

“Up from the ford, a little bank there was,
With alder-copse and willow overgrown,
Now worn away by mining winter floods ;
There, at a bramble-root, sunk in the grass,
The hidden prize, of withered field-straws formed,
Well lined with many a coil of hair and moss,
And in it laid five red-veined eggs, I found.”

The Snow Buntine is the last variety of this
family which we can mention, being somewhat larger
than the foregoing. Its head, neck, under parts,
coverts of the wings, and the upper-half of the quill-
feathers, white ; the top of the back, the three secon-
daries, the bastard wings, and lower half of the quills,
black; the three lateral feathers of the tail white,
with a black streak; the others black, edged with
white; the legs black. It undergoes a considerable
alteration, as the winter advances, inclining then to
an ash-colour,

In summer it inhabits the arctic circle, but in
winter it migrates to warmer regions. The northern
parts of Scotland abound with them; and they have
often been seen in Northumberland and Yorkshire,
but scarcely ever more tothe south. Their arrival in
southern countries is almost sure to betoken a severe
winter, or heavy falls of snow. The snow bunting

“never perches, but continues always on the ground,
35

rar a NT ee
:

Eee EET
EOE
NN eS

MS









SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

and runs about like the larks, which birds it also
much resembles in the size and length of its hind
claws.

These hardy birds pass the summer months on
the hoary mountains of Spitzbergen, the Lapland
Alps, and the shores of Hudson’s Bay. They are
known to breed in Greenland, where the female
makes her nest in the fissures of the mountain rock;
the outside is composed of grass, within which is a
layer of feathers and the down of the arctic fox,
which compose the lining of its comfortable little man-
sion. She lays five white eggs spotted with brown.

BALTIMORE STARLING AND NEST.
(Icterus Baltimore.)

However curiously constructed many of the nests
of European birds may be, the Baltimore starling
seems to surpass them all. Almost the whole genus of
Orioles belong to America, and, with few exceptions
build pensile nests. None of them, however, equals
the Baltimore in construction of these receptacles
for their young, and in giving them such a superior
degree of convenience, warmth, and security. For
these purposes the Baltimore starling generally fixes
on the high bending extremities of the branches,
fastening strong strings of hemp or flax round two
forked twigs, corresponding to the intended width of
the nest; with the same materials mixed with quan-
tities of loose tow, it interweaves or fabricates a

‘strong, firm kind of cloth, not unlike the substance
36







THE BALTIMORE STARLING.



BALTIMORE STARLING AND NEST.

of a hat in its raw state, forming it into a pouch of
six or seven inches in depth, lining it substantially
with various soft substances, well interwoven with
the outward netting, and lastly, finishes with a layer
of horse-hair, the whole being shaded from the sun
and rain by a natural penthouse, or canopy of
leaves. Though birds of the same species have,
generally speaking, a common form of building, yet,
contrary to the usually received opinion, they do
not build exactly in the same manner. Some ap-
pear far superior workmen to others, and probably
age may improve them in this, as it does in their
colours. “I have,” says Mr. Wilson, “a number of
their nests now before me, all completed, and with
eggs. One of these, the neatest, is in the form of a
cylinder, of five inches diameter, and seven inches
in depth, rounded at bottom. The opening at
top is narrowed by a horizontal covering, to two
inches and a half in diameter. The materials are
flax, hemp, tow, hair, and wool, woven into a com-
plete cloth, the whole tightly sewed through and
through with long horse-hairs, several of which mea-
sure two feetin length. The bottom is composed of
thick tufts of cow-hair, sewed also with strong horse-
hair. This nest was hung on the extremity of the
horizontal branch of an apple-tree, fronting the
south-east, was visible one hundred yards off, though
shaded by the sun, and was the work of a very
beautiful and perfect bird. The eggs are five, white,
slightly tinged with flesh colour, marked on the
greater end with purple dots, and on the other parts
with long hair-like lines, intersecting each other in a
variety of directions.”





JJ E EEE e e
SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY,

So solicitous is the Baltimore to procure proper
materials for his nest, that in the season of building
the women in the country are under the necessity of
narrowly watching their thread that may chance to
be bleaching, and the farmer to secure his young /
grafts, as the Baltimore finding the former, and the
strings which tie the latter, so well adapted for his
purpose, frequently carries both off; or should the
one be too heavy, and the other too firmly tied, he
will tug at them a considerable time before he gives
up the attempt. Skeins of silk and hanks of thread
have been often found, after the leaves were fallen,
hanging round the Baltimore’s nest, but so woven up
and entangled, as to be entirely irreclaimable. Before
the introduction of Europeans no such material
could have been obtained here; but with the saga-
city of a good architect, he has improved this cir-
cumstance to his advantage, and the strongest and
best materials are uniformly found in those parts by
which the whole is supported.”

The preference given to superior materials has
been noticed in other birds. “I observed,” says
Mr. Bolton, “a pair of goldfinches beginning to
make their nest in my garden; they had formed the
ground-work with moss, grass, &c., as usual; but on
my scattering smal: parcels of wool in different paris
of the garden, they in a great measure left off the
use of their own stuff, and employed the wool. After-
wards I gave them cotton, on which they rejected
the wool and proceeded with the cotton; the third
\\ day I supplied them with fine down, on which the
forsook both the other, and finished their work with

this last article.”
38
— EES

|







LINNET AND SPARROW-





}



HOUSE-SPARROW AND LINNET.
(Fringilla domestica.) (Fringilla lanaria.)
In HEBREW, Tziphpor.—IN ENGLISH, The Chirper.

_% Then shall the priest command to take for him thut is cleansed

two BIRDS alive and clean.” —LEvITICUS, chap. xiv., 4.

Tur word Tziphpor occurs about thirty times in the
Old Testdient. Its proper signification is doubtless
sparrow; though sometimes translated Jdird, or
birds, as in the passage above quoted; at other
times fowl, as in Ezek. xxxix., 4.

The common house-sparrow hardly needs descrip-
tion. There may be some outward difference be-
tween the sparrows of London and other large
towns, and those of the country ; but this is merely
accidental, arising from the circumstance that the
poor bird, in the former localities, is always so be-
grimed by smoke and dirt that its real plumage is
scarcely perceptible. The sparrow, though some-
what dutch-built, is notwithstanding rather a hand-
some bird; the male being distinguished from the
female by a patch of black on his breast.

The sparrow, cleansed from his London dit, or
seen in the fields and stack-yards of the country,
may be thus described: the top of the head and
occiput are bluish-ash colour; a chestnut band above
the eyes, spreading on the sides of the neck; the
space between the bill and eye, throat and neck be-
fore, of a deep black; the black feathers of the neck
margined with white; the feathers of the back and
wings black, borslered with chestnut ; a single white

39



ST eee oD oe.

———— ee ooEOEL LL







SO eee OOo

SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

band extends across the wing. The length of the
sparrow is about five inches.

This well known bird is constantly found near the
dwellings of man, and is often persecuted for its de-
predations, though it is of essential service in the
general economy of nature as limiting the reproduc-
tive power of insects. It has been mentioned by an
accurate observer, that one pair carried to their nest
forty caterpillars in the space of an hour; so that on
the supposition of their entering the mest only
during twelve hours each day, they would occasion a
daily destruction of 480 caterpillars, or 3,360 in a
week,

The sparrow, though scattered throughout Europe,
must be pronounced a genuine British bird, never
leaving us, but at every season of the year to be
found in the most crowded and busy parts of a town,
building its nest, at the proper season, under the very
eaves of our houses, in holes of walls, ‘and, presuming
to be a member of an ecclesiastical establishment,
about our churches also. The nest is usually made
of hay, but exhibits no great architectural skill. In-
deed, the family mansion being more usually pro-
tected by a solid inclosure from the building, requires
no particular skill in its builders. The female lays
five or six eggs, of a reddish-white colour, spotted
with brown. These birds generally have three broods
in a year, beginning early, and ending late: their
increase, in consequence, must be very great.

Although sparrows, Yorkshiremen like, are at home
every where, and not easily faken in by snares and
traps, they are yet no changelings, but are known
to dwell in the same locality from generation to

40





)

ON Nee





THE LINNET.

generation, the same nest even being but a family
loom.

Sparrows have no native song, their chirp being
harsh and disagreeable ; but being, it is said, birds
of some capacity, they often, in confinement, are
taught the notes of the linnet and other birds. This
must be attended with some difficulty, since these
birds being coni-rostral, or hard billed, are not
formed for songsters by the hand of nature.

The Lynver is almost as well known as the spar-
row, being common in every part of Europe. It
is somewhat longer, but not so bulky, as the spar-
row. The belly is bluish-grey; the prevailing upper
colour is a dark reddish-brown, the lower a dirty
reddish-white. During the season of love, the breast
of the male assumes a beautiful crimson appearance.
The legs are brown. The colours of the female are
less bright than those of her lord.

The nests of these birds are built in low bushes;
the outside consisting of dry grass and moss, the
lining within being of hair and wool. The female
lays four or five eggs of a pale blue colour, spotted
with brown; and she generally breeds twice in the
year.

Few birds possess greater capabilities of voice than
the linnet. They may be taught either to pipe or
whistle, or the notes of any other bird. But their
education must be begun betimes; that is, when the
bird is not older than nine or ten days. No bird is
believed to be so good a schoolmaster for such young-

. sters as a wood-lark. Birds when thus young re-
quire peculiar treatment. The directions which Mr.
Ward gives on this are important, because the expe-

VOL, II. a 4l

OO ——eE™—Ee—EO EEO xv

<==



SS





|

ES net eed ee ee





—~——.

SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY. |

rience of thirty-four years.— Remarks on the Nature
of Song Birds. A little white bread should be
soaked in water, which done, it should be strained
and boiled with a little milk, but thick, like a hasty
pudding. To this may be added a little rape-seed,
soaked in water for ten or twelve hours, then scalded
and broken fine: a portion of this must be mixed
with the bread and milk. The nestlings must be
fed once every two hours, from six in the morning
till eight at night. When the birds are about six or
seven weeks old they will be able to crack seed, and
the soft food may then be gradually discontinued.
About June, branchers, or young birds already
flown, may be obtained, which require a less careful
training than the nest birds just referred to.

After the breeding season linnets become grega-
rious, being found in large flocks, when great num-
bers are caught for the table.



CHAFFINCH AND RED-POLE.
(Fringilla celebs.) (Fringilla Jinaria.)

~~

Every one who only takes an omnibus journey into
the country, is acquainted with the chaffinch; he
hears its simple native twick, twick, but thinks
nothing of it. Many of our continental neighbours
appreciate this bird much more highly. Three cen-
turies ago this bird is made to speak its own praise -
in old French, in the following quatrain, which will
uot admit of a translation, being a play. on two
( 42 :

~~









a .



THE CHAFFINCH AND REDPOLE.



—— >

Cl





THE CHAFFINCH.

words of the first line, and for that reason we print
them in capitals :—
“Pour bien PINSER lon me nom PINSON,
Qui ay la voix fort haultaine, et puissante,
Je hay le chauld, froidure m’ est plaisante ;
En ce contraire est 4 tous ma facon.”

In central Germany, where the chaffinch is highly
estimated, and where, when thoroughly trained,
always fetches a high price; when a bird can sing
or pipe the “ double trill of the Hartz through, full,
entire, and in all its strength,’ he is regarded as a
prodigy. In some of the villages of Thuringia, a
perfect mania seems to exist in favour of chaf-
finches. A cow has been given for one of these
favourites; and an artizan has been known to give
his louis d’or for a chaffinch, which he admired,
though he should be obliged to live on bread and
water to gain the money to pay for his pet. An
amateur, hearing one of these finished songsters, is
thereby thrown, it is said, into a perfect ecstasy. But
there is one remarkable peculiarity in the chaffinch
which does not apply to other piping birds: he must
be taught his song anew every year.

The male bird is remarkable for the cleanliness
and trimness of his plumage, which, without having
any great variety or splendour of colouring, is so
composed and arranged, and the white on his wings
so brilliant, as to render him a beautiful little crea-
ture. The female is as remarkable for the quiet
unobtrusive tintings of her dress; and when she
lies crouching in her nest, elegantly formed of
lichens from the bark of the apple-tree, and faded
mosses, she would hardly be perceptible but for her

43










Ooo

Se



——.









‘The males remain, and are met with, during the
44,
















SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

little bright eyes that peep with suspicious vigilance
from her covert. We will just add that the colours
of this bird are attractive. Its bill is pale blue,
tipped with black; the upper parts of the body of a
bluish-ash; the sides of the head, throat, and neck
vinaceous red; belly and thighs white, tinged with
red; the back reddish-brown, inclining to green
towards the tail; the greater and lesser coverts are
tipped with white; the bastard wing and quill fea-
thers black, edged with yellow; the tail black, edged
with white ; the legs are brown.

The chaffinch is one of our neatest architects,
constructing the nest of small fibres and moss, and
lining it with wool, hair, and feathers. The colour
of the nest is made to correspond in colour with the
branch on which it is placed. The female lays five
or six eggs, of a pale reddish colour, sprinkled with
dark spots. The male is most attentive to his mate,
seldom straying far from the place, and then only to
procure food. He is also very jealous, maintaining
most desperate battles with any intruder.

It has long been known that these birds, in Swe-
den, and other northern countries, perform a partial
emigration ; the females leaving their mates, and
spreading themselves through various parts of Europe.
A modern ornithologist, Mr. Selby, states that his ex-
perience enables him to say that the same thing
happens in England.

In Northumberland and Scotland this separation
takes place about the month of November, and from
that period till the return of spring, few females are
to be seen, and those few always in distinct societies.
























THE RED-POLE.

whole winter, in immense flocks. This separation of
the sexes appears to take place with many other
birds beside the chaffinches.

These birds have the reputation of being very bad
gardeners. In March, the florist often finds that
the polyanthuses, in the sheltered borders, are
stripped of all their blossoms by these pretty plun-
derers. The horticulturist, likewise, prefers a true
bill of indictment against them, because the young
turnips and radishes are most dexterously drawn up,
so soon as they appear upon the surface of the soil,
by the same marauders. The redeeming qualities in
chaffinches, however, seem to make ample reparation
for any mischief which they may do: they rid both
the florist and the gardener of thousands of insects
and larvee.

The rep-POLE will require but a passing notice.
This pretty little warbler may readily be known by a
large purplish red spot on the forehead; the breast also
being marked with the same colour, but not quite so
bright ; the lower parts are of a dingy white. The
female, though like the male, has not this pur-
plish red.

They make a shallow open nest of no great pre-
tensions; the female generally laying four eggs,
almost white, marked with reddish spots.

The habitat of this bird is extensive, spreading
over all the northern parts of Europe, from the ex-
treme parts of the Russian empire to Italy; it is
also common in North America, and in the northern
parts of Asia. They migrate towards the south on
the approach of winter.

45



—



ees



a





“ Chaste are their instincts, faithful is their fire,
No foreign beauty tempts to false desire ;
The snow-white vesture and the glittering crown,
The simple plumage, or the glossy down,
Prompt not their love. The patriot bird pursues
His well acquainted tints, and kindred hues:
Hence through their tribes no mixed polluted flame,
No monster-breed to mark the grove with shame ;
But the chaste blackbird, to its partner true,
Thinks black alone is beauty’s favourite hue ;
The nightingale, with mutual passion blest,
Sings to its mate, and nightly charms the nest ;
While the dark owl to court his partner flies,
And owns his offspring in their yellow eyes.”

Savery is a hateful word when applied to irrational
creatures, but when applied to any part of the family
of man, becomes monstrous, because iniquitous. If
man has any natural birth-right, it must be liberty.
Liberty of conscience towards God; civil liberty
amongst his fellow-men, with whom he equally
shares this blessing. Every just and free govern-
ment must protect these essential prerogatives, or
expose itself to censure and revolt. The slavery of
one race of human beings by another is terrible ;
and in the world’s history must come to an end.
The days of slavery, we believe, are numbered, and
that ere the nineteenth century is much farther ad-
vanced, the era of universal freedom must arrive.
Our sons on the other side of the Atlantic, now be-
come so numerous and strong, and who, we acknow-
46

THE GOLDFINCH.
(Fringilla carduelis.)
)
:
)
)
)







THE GOLDFINCH,





THE GOLD-FINCH.

ledge, received the traffic in human flesh from us,
are upon the point of fulfilling their own declara-
tion of INDEPENDENCE, so nobly made in 1776.

Our children in the United States, especially
those of the Northern States, have some of the best
of our Anglo-Saxon blood flowing in their veins;
and though they may not, at the bidding of us
their fathers, do this act of justice, yet must they do
it, urged by the advances which civilization and reli-
gion have made.

The slavery of any part of the human race always
brings with it frightful evils, physical and moral,
without any redeeming good whatever. In irra-
tional creatures it may be otherwise. To deprive
them of liberty, may at first sight appear unnatural ;
yet are many redeeming qualities connected with it,
which turns captivity itself into a blessing. Capti-
vity may be done by law, since the express words of
the statute book are—“Let them,” (the human
family) “ have dominion over the fish of the sea, and
over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over
all the earth, and over every creeping thing that
creepeth upon the earth.” Gen. i. 26.

Take the horse and the cow as examples amongst
our domestic animals. They have, doubtless, lost
their original freedom, and become subjugated to
the will of man; but see, in return, how well they
are protected and provided for. The husbandman
takes care to appropriate a large portion of the pro-
duce of the land for the maintenance of his depen-
dents, storing up both corn and hay for winter’s
supply ; together with the erection of stables and
sheds for their defence from bad weather. The

47

——-—~









SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

horse, naturally timid and a fugitive, is, in captivity,
taught courage by his owner, so “ That he mocketh
at fear, and is not affrighted.”—“ He swalloweth the
ground with fierceness and rage.”—“ He saith among
the trumpets, Ha, ha; and. he smelleth the battle
afar off.’—Job xxxix., 22—5.

In like manner are the songsters made captives by
man’s power; but soon they forget their captivity in
the abundance with which, without any care, they
are so well supplied; and further, man elicits, from
the birds that, which but for their captivity, would
for ever have continued undeveloped. Take the
goldfinch as an example: nature has clothed him in
a gay livery, making him one of the handsomest
amongst his fellows, endowing him likewise with
habits remarkably quiet, and amiable. Unlike the
titmouse, or even the robin, he is neither jealous or
pugnacious ; satisfied with what he is in himself, he
neither seeks aggressive war, or makes a defence, in
the event of an attack, but by- retreat. His natural
song is sweet, but short; whereas under the instruc-
tive care of his owner, he is made a singer, or a
piper, of the first order, and is also rendered expert
in various arts and tricks. Yet the loss of liberty in
this pretty vocalist is attended with a loss of chas-
tity. The smaller birds in their native woods, never
form any connubial connexions with any but those
of their own kind, remaining faithful to each other
under all circumstances. Should death dissolve the
hymeneal bands, either in the male or female, there
seems no difficulty in supplying, by some mysterious
law not to be explained, that deficiency, but always
with one of their own species. In captivity, on the

48

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~~
—

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a -
(NE

~~ “
tee ee ee

EOE.
eat







se

THE GOLDFINCH.

contrary, this law is destroyed. At the appointed
season of love, cage-birds not having liberty of rang-
ing abroad in search of a suitable mate, submit to
another law, scarcely less mysterious than the
former, and take up with the mate which they can
find. This, however, only applies to a few birds. The
progeny of such a union produce whai are called
mule birds, which sometimes possess a capability of
breeding, at other times not. This is another mys-
terious law in animal economy which has never been
explained.

The design of these remarks is to shew that the
natural habits of birds can only be learned from
birds which are at large. The moment captivity
begins, their habits become aitered likewise, or at
least they conform to the circumstances in which
they are placed.

The goldfinch may be thus described; the fore-
head and throat crimson; occiput and neck black ;
fore part of the neck and lower parts of the body
white ; the back, scapulars, aud lateral parts of the j
breast brown; the upper part of the wing feathers }
pure yellow, the other biack, with whitish spots /
towards the end ; tail black, with long white spots; rf

(

Ne ee

ne

ee ae

ON

TN TE

bill whitish, the tip black. The length of the bird
is about five-and-a-half inches. ‘The female some-
what less than the male, and the colours less bril-
liant.

This bird is deservedly a great favourite, taking
the lead amongst our native cage birds. In capti- (,
vity goldfinches sing the greater part of the year ;
the moulting times always excepted. Their educa-
tion must be early begun if they are expected to

VOL, 1. H 49.

\



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ON OR re oe

93

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SCRIPTURE NATURAL UISTORY.

excel in song. A nest bird, for this reason is always
to be preferred. By attention their attachment may
be gained, when they become apt scholars both in the
singing-school and the play-ground, learning a variety
of little tricks, such as to draw up small buckets
containing their water and food, to fire a cracker,
and such like. They greatly excel the chaffinch in
strength of memory, so that what is once well
learned, is learned for ever. Birds caught about
Michaelmas generally turn out the best singers.
When the spring has advanced, and the trees dis-
play a verdant appearance, the goldfinch separates
in pairs, each male taking a mate, and quitting the
wild and open country for woods, orchards, and gar-
dens, and on the Continent, for the rows of fruit-
trees that border the road-side. So soon as the
foliage becomes dense enough to conceal the nest,
the task of incubation is commenced ; the nest is
placed in the fork of a branch, and is of the neatest
construction, being composed of lichens, moss, and
dried grasses, lined with hair, wool, and the seed-down
of the willow and thistle; the eggs are four or five
in number, of a bluish-white, spotted with brown.
The geographical range of the goldfinch is con-
siderable, extending from the southern isles of the
Archipelago to Siberia; it is also common in many
parts of France and Germany. It is a constant re-
sident in the British isles, and in Italy it passes the

- summer in the mountains, and the winter in the

plains. In Holland, however, it is a bird of passage.
The goldfinch, in general, seems to give preference
to high lands and mountainous districts during win-
ter; particularly such as are wild and barren, and

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THE CANARY.



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THE CANARY FINCH.

———

afford a plentiful supply of the thistle and plantain,
the seeds of which constitute its principal food.
During the winter it is gregarious, flying together in
small flocks.

The male goldfinch, in captivity, readily pairs
with hen canaries; and their progeny are often
handsome birds, and good singers.

THE CANARY FINCH.
(Fringilla canaria.)

Tuis bird in its wild state is principally found in
the Canary Islands, frequenting damp places; and at
Palma, Fayal, Cape Verd, and Madeira.

Doctor Heineken gives an elaborate description of
the canary-finch as it appears on the Island of Ma-
deira. “It builds,” the Doctor tells us, “in thick
bushy high shrubs and trees, with roots, moss, fea-
thers, and hair; it pairs in February, lays from
four to six pale-blue eggs, and hatchles five or six
times during the season. It is very familiar, haunt-
ing and breeding in gardens about the city. Itisa
delightful songster, with, beyond doubt, much of the
nightingale’s and sky-lark’s, but none of the wood-
lark’s song; although three or four sky-larks in con-
fiuement in Funchal, are the only examples of any
of these three birds in the island, and notwithstand-
ing the general opinion that such notes are the result
of education in the canary: it is in full song about
nine months of the year. 1 have heard one sing on
the wing, and passing from one tree to another at some

51

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SSS EOE
a











SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY. |

distance, and am told that during the pairing season
this is very common. Each flock,’ continues the
Doctor, “has its own song, and from individuals in
the same garden differing considerably, I suspect
that each nest varies more or less. After the breed-
ing season, they flock along with linnets, goldfinches,
&e., and are then seldom seen in gardens. The
moult takes place in August and September. An
old bird caught and put into a cage will sometimes
sing almost immediately, but seldom lives longer
than the second year in confinement. The young
from the nest are difficult to rear, dying generally at
the first moult. They cross readily with the domes-
ticated variety, and the progeny are larger, stronger,
better breeders, and, to my taste, better ‘songsters
also than the latter; but a pure wild song from an
island canary, at liberty, in full throat, and in a part
of the country so distant from the haunts of men,
that it is quite unsophisticated, is unequalled, in its
kind, by any thing I have ever heard in the way of
bird music.”

We give this long extract from Dr. Heineken,
because it seems to correct a mistake into which we
have fallen, that native birds have little or no song ;
still it must be allowed that the canary-finch is no
exception to the general rule, that an education and
training will do much for this bird, both as to its
general appearance, colour, and song. We are free
to admit, that the canary-finch, with all its native
excellence, never has the full development of size,
beauty of plumage, or brilliancy of song, exhibited
by birds in captivity.

Beckstein, who has devoted much atitention to

52 (

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Sees

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RR RL

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THE CANARY-FINCH.

cage-birds, denies that the canary-finch was intro- (|
duced into Europe so early as the fourteenth cen- |
tury. He believes that it was unknown until the |
beginning of the sixteenth century. “A vessel,” he \
says, “which, in addition to its other merchandize, |
was bringing a number of these birds to Leghorn, was __}\
wrecked on the coast of Italy, opposite the island of i
Elba, where these little birds, having been set at °
) liberty, took refuge. ‘he climate being favourable ))
they increased, and would certainly have become
naturalized, had not the wish to possess them occa-
sioned their being caught in such numbers, that at |
last they were extirpated from their new abode.
From this cause Italy was the first European country
where the canary was reared. At first their educa-
tion was difficult, as the proper manner of treating
them was unknown; and what tended to render ,
them scarce was, that only the male birds were ,
brought over—no females. The grey of its primi-
tive colour, darker on the back, and greener on the }
belly, has undergone so many changes from its being



)
domesticated, from the climate, and from the union )
with birds analagous to it, that now we have canaries /
of various colours. (

We proceed to give our readers a more detailed
account of the varieties of these interesting songsters, {!
and the best manner of breeding and rearing them. (
Canaries then are now principally divisible into the |
following varieties :—the grey, the yellow or jonque, (
the white or mealy, the blackish, and the chestnut ; \
and it is from their combination, and their tints, that
we derive the numerous varieties which we now pos-

sess. We wish our readers specially to notice that as, |}
53
= ae PA IS 2h Pe Ie Ht AE MS RELY

94









SST

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Seago eee eae

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TS



| ee eS ES Rp Sn ee a ee
SOOO eam +

SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

according to an old proverb, a good horse cannot be
of a bad colour; soisit with canary-birds. The
mere colour has more to do with the fancy of the
owner, than with the excellency of the bird’s song.
Those canaries that have the upper part of the body
of a dusky green or linnet brown, and the under
part the yellowish-green of the green-bird, with dark
brown eyes, are the strongest, and most nearly re-
semble the primitive race. The yellow and white
often have red eyes, and are the most tender. The
chestnut are the most uncommon, and hold a middle
rank for strength and length of life, between the two
extremes. The canary now much admired is one
with the body white or yellow, the head (particularly
if crested), wings, and tail yellowish dun ; the second
in degree is of a golden yellow, with the head,
wings, and tail black, or at least dusky grey. Next
the grey or blackish, with a yellow head and collar ;
and the yellow with a blackish or green tuft, which
are very much valued. The irregularly spotted are
much less sought after.

In modern times, however, excellency of song has
given place to beauty of plumage, and regularity of
feather. The birds most valued by amateurs are,
beyond all doubt, the orange, with black wings, tail,
and legs: they ought also to have black spangles on
the back. For the production of such birds, socie-
ties have been formed in London, and elsewhere, and
prizes given at an annual show. ‘These fancy birds
are usually sold at from three to four guineas a pair.
It is also remarkable that the hen birds are of equal
value with the cocks. Crested or turned crowned
birds are considered irregular, and are consequently

54



Sn



Se eEE—EOEEEOEeEEeEEEEee_EOEEEEeeeeEEO —
— Se ae eee
pp I pe





THE CANARY-FINCH.

less valued. The Belgian canaries are much
larger and stronger than those of England. Their
song also is very superior. These birds are brought
over for sale in the autumn of the year. The Ger-
man canaries are also held in considerable esti- (
mation. (

The male and female canaries greatly resemble (
each other, but generally speaking, the hen bird is
less bright in colour, smaller about the head, shorter
about the neck and body, not so long in the legs,
and of a less elegant form. The usual length of a
canary is about five inches, of which the tail mea-
sures two and a quarter. The bill is strong, sharply
pointed, and inclining to white.

In the opinion of Bechstein the following are the
best directions for the breeding of canaries :—About
the middle of April, either one male, and one or
two females, are placed in a large cage, or many
of the sexes are united in a room or aviary, having (
the advantage of a south-east aspect. Nest-boxes (
or baskets made of turned wood, or osiers, are given
‘them. Slips of the pine tree which are cut in Feb-
ruary may advantageously be placed in the aviary
or cage, since they do not lose their leaves. If |

So

a ne

ae

go

a wire gauze merely can be placed over the win-
dow of the room ‘all the better, the enjoyment
of fresh air greatly contributes to promote the
health of the pretty prisoners, especially to make
the young healthy and robust. Birds which are to
be paired for the first time, should previously be
put together in the same cage for seven or eight
days, to become acquainted and accustomed to live

together. If two females are to be caged with one $f
55
i OSES: ee ae





le
SSS aaa eee

—





|







SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

male, it is especially necessary that they should be
together long enough to leave off quarrelling, and
the pairing-cage should be divided into two equal
parts, communicating bya sliding door. ‘This being
done, a lively male, and one of the females, should
be placed in the first division; so soon as she has
laid, the male should be moved into the other divi-
sion, the door of separation being shut ; but as soon as
the other has also laid, the door may be left open:
the male will then visit the females alternately, and
they will not trouble themselves about each other ;
but without these precautions, jealousy would incline
them to fight and destroy each other’s eggs. When
it is intended to place a great many females, double
or treble the number of males in a room or aviary,
the latter should always be first paired with a single
female, which will ever after remain the favourite ;
and it will only be when she is about to sit that he
will pair with the others; and this is all the notice
he will take of them, for afterwards he will only
notice their young. It is from these mothers, how-
ever, that the most and the best birds are generally
procured. If the floor of the room or aviary is well
covered with moss, little else need be added for
making the nests, otherwise they should be supplied
with the hair of cows and deer, wool, moss, and the like.
That which is coarsest, serving for the outside, and the
softest and finest for the inside. If they have shrubs,
the canary will, probably, shew her native propen-
sities by building without the baskets, but they dis-
cover no very great architectural skill in the nest,
which is carelessly finished. The females alone are
the builders, the males, perhaps, choosing the situa-
56



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SS ~~ SS
te

SS

~ne
ee

Sa







THE CANARY-FINCH.

tion, and bringing the materials. Each female
should be provided with two nest-boxes or baskets,
least she should build, the second time, upon her
young, and thus smother them. Seven or eight days
elapse from the pairing to the laying of the first egg ;
the other eggs, seldom exceeding six, are laid suc-
cessively every following day. The eggs are of a
white greenish cast, with deep red spots and®splashes
at the larger end. If the pairs agree, they must
be left entirely to themselves, without endeavouring
to use art to help nature. It is believed much the
better way not to remove the eggs at all from the
nest, and that better success follows by leaving them
to be hatched in succession. The hen canary will
generally lay four or five times in the year, from
April to September, and some will even continue to
lay during their moult. About the cighth day of
incubation, the eggs may be examined by holding
them between the flame of a candle and the eye;
the good will exhibit well developed blood vessels,
whereas the bad ones will continue clear, or be
already addled—and may be thrown away. It is, in’
our judgment, much the better course to leave the
eggs entirely alone. The cock will sometimes take
his turn in sitting for some hours in the day; but
the hen, not approving of this, generally takes her
hasty meal, returns to the nest, and if the cock does
not immediately retire, she will continue to peck
him till he does. This is especially the case the
nearer the time for hatching approaches. On the
thirteenth day the young usually make their appear-
ance. During the period of incubation all loud noises
or moving of the cage should be scrupulously avoided.
VOL. II. I 57







SS

SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.



Immediately on the young leaving the shell, a
small trough should be placed near the feeding
place. In this may be. put a portion of hard egg,
yolk and white together, chopped very fine, a
portion of crumb of bread or biscuit, which has
been soaked in water, and afterwards well pressed to
get out the moisture, with a little maw-seed. Emb-
den groats may also be placed in the cage. Ex-
treme care must be taken not to let this food become
sour, which would prove destructive to the young
birds.

About the thirteenth day the youngsters will
begin to feed themselves, and when about a month
old they may, if necessary, be removed to other
cages. Should the hen bird begin to peck them pre-
viously to this period, they may be safely removed,
provided such an arrangement be made that the
cock bird can get at them through the wires of his
cage, since he will continue to feed them so long as
occasion may require. In all cases he is the prin-
cipal nurse. After their removal from the parent
birds, they must continue to be supplied with the
soft food above described, together with the food of
full-grown birds, as a sudden privation of the former
might occasion disease, if not death.

‘When the nestlings can eat alone, the male birds
will begin to warble, and may easily be distinguished
from the females. The hen birds will also make a
jabbering noise; but if the passage of the throat is
seen to heave with a pulsive motion, swelling like a
little pair of bellows, we may safely conclude that it
is a male bird. The vigour and majestic carriage of
a bird is another indication of its sex; extending the

58 aie







:




























—~














THE CANARY-FINCH. _

neck and head, as if it would endeayour, like too
many mortals, to be something more than itself.
The general shape of the male is always more dap-
per than the female, especially towards the tail. It
is further noticeable that male birds, be they what-
ever colour they may, will always have a little yellow
almost upon their bills, and under their throats, and
a bright strong yellow stroke over the eyes. The
males thus selected should be placed each in a sepa-
rate cage, which must be first covered with a piece
of linen cloth, and afterwards with a darker curtain.
Apart from every other bird education should now
begin. If it be intended that his natural song should
be superseded by an artificial melody, then it is ab-
solutely necessary that he should not have the
opportunity of hearing his father’s song after the
fourteenth day, otherwise his acquired melody will
be murdered, and he will ever after retain a portion
of his paternal notes, and intermingle them in his
song. His musical lessons must be repeated five or
six times in the day, especially in the morning and
evening, his master performing the desired air either
ona flageolet, or a bird-organ; but if the instru-
ment be not in perfect tune, the whistling of a man
of taste is greatly to be preferred. From two to six
months, according to the memory and abilities of the
scholar, must be spent in this musical education.
Canaries may thus be taught to repeat correctly two
or three airs, or even, it is said, to pronounce dis-
tinctly a few short words. In this training the
scholar, under favourable circumstances, will evince
great quickness and correctness of ear, combined

with excellent strength of memory.
59















SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

Should the owner of the bird prefer the natural
song, which in a bird having such capabilities as the
canary, will probably be the case, then it is only ne-
cessary to continue him a little longer in the hearing
of his natural warbling, and to place him within the
sound of the nightingale, wood-lark, or tit-lark, ac-
cording to the notes which may be desired, and he
will be sure to incorporate his original notes with
those of the bird which he is accustomed to hear.
In Germany it is not at all umcommon to correct the
noisy bursts in which canaries are naturally inclined
to indulge, by teaching them to descend regularly
through all the tones of the octave, until they can
pronounce the same with a smooth silvery tongue.
Canaries will sing in the evening, especially if placed
near a strong light.

The canary-finch must be pronounced rather a
delicate bird, and therefore requires special attention.
The food generally given them is rape and canary
seed, mixed in about one-third of the former, to two-
thirds of the latter. They are also pleased by having
a little green meat, such as plantain, water-cresses,
lettuces, or any short and esculent vegetables. A lump
of sugar may also occasionally be given, and a little
sopped bread. Care should be taken for them to
have a daily supply of good fresh water. They
should also have the opportunity of bathing. The
bath may be affixed to the cage, so that the birds
may have free ingress to it; the water of the bath
being renewed daily. The application of any pow-
der, or ointment to the bird, must be carefully
avoided, since this often proves destructive. The
eage and nest must be carefully examined, least







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THE CANARY-FINCH.

they should have any vermin: frequent ablutions
are the best remedy for this. The birds must be kept
very clean: the bottom of the cage should be care-
fully cleansed by being scraped with a blunt knife,
at least twice every week ; red sand being sprinkled,
from time to time, over the bottom of the cage. In

‘the event of the cage, or any part thereof being

wetted, it is essential that it should be thoroughly
dry before the birds are restored to it.

Nothing is more injurious to birds than bad
smells. Should the room in which they are be
painted, or whitewashed, or even the adjoining room,
the birds must be removed from the effluvia. Ne-
glect in this matter has destroyed many a valuable
bird. Finally they must be protected from extremes
of heat and cold; not be left out at night; ex-
posed to any direct draughts; or be left in a cold room
during the winter months. At the same time, the
room in which they are must not be too warm, since
this will produce a premature, or continual moult,
both of which would prove most injurious. We be-
lieve that attention to these remarks will go far
towards keeping the birds in health, and preventing
those diseases which might otherwise come upon
them.

Canary birds, with proper care, will live for four-
teen or fifteen years.

We will only add in conclusion, that though birds
of different species in a state of nature are never
known to pair, yet, that in confinement some very
pretty hybrids may be produced. They are principally
six :—first, mules, bred from a canary and a gold-
finch ; second, from a canary and a siskin; third,

61

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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

from a canary and a greenbird; fourth, from a
canary and a linnet; fifth, from a canary and a
bulfinch; and sixth, from a canary and a nightin-
gale. In all these six instances the canary should
be the mother. The reason for this is, that other
females but the canary cannot be induced to lay
their eggs in an artificial nest. The progeny of the
first four of these hybrids are known themselves to
be fruitful.

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THE WHIDAH-FINCHES.

TN

Tue widow birds or African buntings, are favourites
) for the cage and the aviary, from their long droop-
| ing tail feathers, which adorn the males during the
) breeding season.
) We notice two species. First, the Vipua Para-
) pisEa, or widow of Paradise.
i The upper part of the plumage of this bird is of a
) deep brownish-black. A broad rich orange-rufous
collar proceeds from the upper part of the back of
the neck, and unites with a tinge of the same colour
on the sides of the neck and breast. The tail fea-
thers are black; the two middle ones often measure a
foot in length, although the size of the bird does
not exceed that of a canary. The bill and feet are
black.

Its habitat is south-western Africa. In the neigh-
bourhood of Senegal it is common.

The second species is the VipuA ERYTHRORHYN-
cus, or red-billed widow.

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THE WHIDAH FINCH.





THE CROSSBILL.



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THE GREEN GROSBEAK.

This variety is also a native of western Africa. In
size it is somewhat less than the last described, and
in other respects is a little different. The bill is
shorter, thicker, and broader. In the elongated
feathers of the tail, two are convex, and two concave,
so that the four feathers form a sort of cylinder;
and but for their extremities appear at first sight as
one. The general colour of .the head and back is a
deep blue-black, with a collar of pure white. The

ears, sides of the head, and all the under parts, are -

also of the same colour. The tail feathers are exter-
nally black, internally white.

The general habits of both species are but little
known. Specimens of them may be seen in the
British Museum.

GREEN-GROSBEAK anp CROSSBILL.

(Loxia chloris.) (Loxia curvirostra.)

Tux green-grosbeak, or green-finch, is one of a large
family, more numerous, and better known than most
others. Some of this species are migratory; the
greenfinch is an exception to this rule, continuing
with us during the whole year, only changing its
quarters according to the season. It is to be found
in every part of Great Britain, throughout Europe,
and in North America. During the winter months
these birds are gregarious, keeping together in small
flocks, and gradually approaching villages and farm-
yards, in search of food and shelter.
63

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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY. )
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|

The song of the green-finch is little more than a

chirp; it is notwithstanding often kept in a cage

from its extreme docility and aptitude as a scholar. }

The hybrids of the green-finch and the canary are }

very often pretty in plumage, and under proper in- )

struction, good songsters also.

The nest is usually made of dry grass, lined with

wool or other warm materials, the locality chosen

for it being a hedge or low bush. The usual number
of eggs laid are from five to six, of a pale-greenish
colour, spotted with reddish- brown. The male bird
is said to be unremitting in attention to its mate
during the time of incubation, taking his turn also
in sitting. The female is so close a sitter that she
may be often taken on the nest.

The plumage in general is a yellowish-green; the
top of the head, neck, back, and lesser coverts, olive-
green, the greater coverts ash-coloured ; towards the
tail yellow more prevails; the bill is flesh-coloured ;
the eyes dark.

The CrossBitu can scarcely be called a British
bird, since its visits to Great Britain are rather acci-
dental than regular, sometimes not being seen in
any part of this country for years together. Its
plumage is singularly beautiful, from which, and
from its crooked bill, it has sometimes been called _))

' the German parrot. Itiscommon both in the north

of Europe and America.

( The talented but sceptical Buffon remarks, that
the bill of this bird exhibits an error in its Creator.
Had this author have better acquainted himself with
the habits of this bird, he would not have pronounced )
the peculiar organization of this bird a deformity. })

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Se ee

Sey Sa see a acne Tea ee

THE CROSSBILL.

“My pets,” says Mr. Townson, speaking of the
crossbill, “would often come to my table whilst I
was writing, and carry off my pencils, little chip-
boxes in which I occasionally kept insects, and other
similar objects, and tear them to pieces in a minute.
Their mode of operation is by first pecking a little
hole ; in this they insert their bill, and then split or
tear the object by the lateral force. When I treated
them, as I often did, with almonds in their shells,
they got at the kernel in the same manner, first
pecking a hole in the shell, and then enlarging it, by
wrenching off pieces by the lateral power.” Another
writer says, “ notwithstanding Buffon’s assertion to
the contrary, they can pick up and eat the smallest
seeds, and shell or husk hemp, and similar seeds.
They are impatient in confinement, and notorious
for their unceasing destruction of the cages in which
they are kept.”

In colour the crossbill is ash, tinged with green ;
cheeks and eyebrows grey, with yellow and white
spots ; yellow towards the tail, the lower parts being
yellowish-green; the bill horn-colour; the length
about six inches.

The nest is chiefly placed in a forked branch of
a lofty pine, and is built of moss, lichens, and
such like, with a lining of feathers. Four or. five
eggs are generally laid. These birds often build
even before the winter is past, in more temperate
climates, as early as January. Bewick remarks, that for
better securing their nests, the crossbills often fasten
it to the tree by employing a resinous matter which
exudes from the pine, applying the same to the out-
side of the nest, and hereby making it water-proof.

VOL. II, K 65



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97

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\
THE RAVEN,
‘In Hes, Oraiyv.—(Corvus corax.)—In Enc. The Blackne.

““ Who provideth for the RAVEN his food? when his young ones
ery unto God, they wander for lack of meat.” —JoB, xxxviii.
41. He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young
RAVENS which cry.” —PSALM cxlvii., 9.

Tus bird is the largest of the crow family, being
more than two feet in length. The bill is very
strong and thick, measuring about two and-a-half
inches, and covered at the base, and above half its
length, with long hairs. The colour is a glossy blue-
black in the upper Darts, those beneath being of a
dusky hue.

The raven seems to be more widely scattered than
almost any other bird. It is capable of braving
alike the severity of an Arctic winter, and enduring
the scorching rays of a tropical sun; and without
any change being produced in its: plumage by the
extremes of climate.

The raven is found in the old Continent from
Greenland to the Cape of Good Hope, and in the
New from Hudson’s Bay to Mexico. It is also met
with by our circumnavigators in the Sandwich
Islands, and in other parts of the Southern Pacific.

The habits of this bird are every where alike. It
is always in search of the distressed, the dying, and
the. dead. In Lincolnshire and Leicestershire the
raven is ever on the alert in the sheep-walks, so that
no sooner is a poor: sheep cast, that is, fallen on its

’ back and unable to rise, than this marauder ap-
proaches and pecks out its eyes. It frequents
66

SSS

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——.







THE RAVEN.



Dieta
THE RAVEN,

barren grounds, even in the most severe winter
colds; its movements being directed in a great mea-
sure by those of the herds of rein-deer, musk-oxen,
and bisons, which it follows, ready to assist in de-
vouring such as die, or are killed, by wild beasts or
accident. No sooner has a-hunter slaughtered an
animal than these birds are seen coming from
vafious parts to feast upon the offal; and consider-
able numbers also constantly attend the fishing
stations, where they show equal boldness and vo-
racity.

A propensity for theft seems a part of their nature.
That ravens, when domesticated, should desire to
carry off an attractive substance, as pieces of money,
or the like, may be capable of solution; but that
this should be the case in a secluded spot in its
native wilds, is surprising. Yet a traveller (Mr.
Kendall), tells us, that in crossing the height of
land which divides the waters that flow towards Hud-
son’s Bay, from those which fall into the Arctic sea,
he saw a raven flying off with something in its
claws, pursued by a number of its clamorous com-
panions. The bird being fired at, dropped the ob-
ject of contention, which proved to be the lock of a
chest.

The aptitude of the raven for articulating sounds
distinctly has been noticed in all ages. Many ex-
traordinary instances might be mentioned of this.
There is, or was, until lately, a raven at Chatham,
which was a remarkable proficient. Living in the
vicinity of a guard-house, the bird has, more than
once, turned out the guard, who thought they were
called by the sentinel on duty.

67



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\
SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY. \
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ae etna at

The raven, moreover, in times of ignorance, was (
considered as ominous; foretelling future events by (|
its horrid croakings, and announcing impending |

i

calamities. Gay has well told the story in his fable
of the farmer’s wife and the raven :—

“That raven on yon left hand oak
(Curse on his ill-betiding croak !)
Bodes me no good.” No more she said, ~
When poor blind Ball, with stumbling tread,
Fell prone, o’erturned the pannier lay,
And her mash’d eggs bestrew’d the way.
She, sprawling in the yellow road,
Rail’d, swore, and curs’d: “Thou croaking toad,
A murrain take thy whoreson throat!
I knew misfortune in thy note.”
“Dame,” quoth the raven, “ spare your oaths,
Unclench your fist, and wipe your clothes. \
But why on me those curses thrown ? |

oe

ee a ae

Goody, the fault was all your own ;

For had you laid this brittle ware

On Dun, the old sure-footed mare,

Though all the ravens of the hundred, |
(
\
(

~~

With croaking had your tongue out-thunder’d,
Sure-footed Dun had kept her legs,
And you, good woman, sav’d your eggs.”

This bird makes its nest early in spring, and |
builds in trees and the holes of rocks, laying five or
six eggs of a pale bluish-green colour, spotted with
brown. The female sits about twenty days, and is
constantly attended by the male, who not only pro- |

[ee

vides her with abundance of food, but relieves her in
“turn, and takes her place in the nest.
The raven is several times mentioned by the sacred
writers. On the decrease of the waters of the flood,
Noah sent out this bold and adventurous bird, from: }

oS

~——~

one of the windows of the ark, which went forth to
68

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|
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ROOK AND CROW.

a





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ro



———_ EEE
LSE
THE ROOK AND THE crow.

and fro, or rather, according to the Hebrew, in going
forth and returning, until the waters were dried up
from off the earth.—Gen. viii. 7. We are also in-
formed that Elijah, the prophet, was, at the divine
command, supplied with food by rayens. Some, how-
ever, tell us, that the orebim spoken of in the sacred
text (1 Kings, xvii. 6), were not ravens, but Ara-
bians. We confess that we greatly dislike such
forced interpretations of Holy Scripture, and would
guard our young readers especially against them.
It is remarkable that Solomon should have recorded
the extraordinary propensity which the raven has for
pecking out the eyes of its prey. “The eye that

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a
Sl

mocketh at his father,” says the wise man, “and
despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley
shall peck it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.”
— Prov. xxx., 17.

we

ROOK AND CROW. }

(Corvus frugilegus.) | (Corvus corone.)

Tur rook and the crow greatly resemble each other, /
but are yet never known to unite or live together. {(/
The plumage of the former is much more glossy than
the latter, and is farther distinguished by a rough ((
scabrous skin, which extends from the base of the ((
bill to the eyes. Rooks are gregarious, flying to-
gether in immense flocks morning and evening, from \
their roosting-places, in search of food, which con-
sists of chafers or dor-beetles, and such like, which })
they dig up with their strong bills. It cannot but j
69





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a

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ooo eee eee





—~—





SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

be confessed that they often commit gréat depreda-
tions on the corn-fields. They return to the same

‘domicile from year to year, which not unfrequently

causes severe contests, should any mnew-comers
chance to occupy their former abodes.

These birds are spread over Europe; and though
stationary with us, yet in France, Silesia, and other
countries they migrate. In France they are the
forerunners of winter, whereas in Siberia they an-
nounce the summer. Their flights are sometimes
so dense as to darken the air, being frequently
joined by troops of crows, jackdaws, and starlings.

Crows are very widely diffused, being common
in most parts of the world. Their food consists of
flesh, worms, insects, and grain. Their love for
carrion has caused them to be designated by that
word: neither do fish, fruits, or even shell-fish es-
cape the notice of these cormorants; of which latter
they contrive to break the shell by dropping them on
a hard surface from a height. Weakly lambs not
unfrequently fall victims to carrion crows; and they
will, like the butcher bird, pursue birds on the
wing for food. The crow may be taught to articu-
late several words: it has, besides, the same propen-
sity for hoarding up provisions, and glittering
trinkets as the raven.

This bird must not be confounded with the
hooded, or Royston crow, which is migratory; not
appearing in this country till the beginning of
winter with the woodcocks, and on their first coming
frequent the shores of rivers. They depart in the

spring to breed in other countries of higher lati- —

tude.
70

ee ee ee







THE MAGPIE.





THE JACKDAW.



TT

aS OEE EO
nae

I



‘

MAGPIE AND JACKDAW.

(Corvus pica.) (Corvus monedula.)

THE magpie is a pretty, active, and familiar bird.
It readily becomes domesticated, and soon develops
those propensities so common to this species of
birds, stealing and hiding things which it may
chance to meet with; it also articulates words with

‘ considerable distinctness. The bill is long, with

cutting edges, and its base covered with short fea-
thers. The tail is very long and graduated. The
length of the bird is about eighteen inches.

In appetite this bird is omnivorous, taking alike
animal or vegetable food. The nest is often a
curiosity, being very firmly built on the summit of
the tallest trees, and well fortified with black thorn
twigs. The eggs are generally six or seven in num-
ber, of a yellowish-white, with brown spots. During
the time it has young, the magpie is rather a
dangerous neighbour to the poultry yard, since it
will boldly attack and carry off both chickens and
ducklings.

- These birds are no less plentiful in America than

in Europe. It is singular, however, that though |

common on the shores of Sweden, and other mari-
time parts of the Old World, it is very rare on the
Atlantic shores of America, or near Hudson’s Bay.
The manners of the American magpie are, in all
respects, similar to the European bird.

The Jackpaw is rather irger than the magpie,
but less than the rook and crow. Its colour is a-
violet black.

71





SE
SS

SE

SS ee FN a
—~ 2 — SSS EES SE







SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

This bird feeds chiefly on worms, the larve of
insects, and fruit, but especially cherries. It is
much more fond of the habitations of man than the
magpie, often building its nest in the towers of
ehurehes, or in rpined buildings, always preferring
the upper parts. The quantity of materials brought
by these birds is often’ much more than is necessary
for building their nests, and which in belfries, and
other such places, aceumulates to a very consider-
able quantity. Jackdaws are completely grega-
rious.

‘Like magpies these birds may easily be tamed ;
but under the best tuition, they remain mischievous
and tricky.



BLUE JAY AND STARLING.
(Garrulus glandarius.) (Sturnus vulgaris.)

Tux body of the jay is a reddish ash-colour; the |

head white, with black streaks; the wing coyerts
marked with blue and black bars; its bill and tail

black ; iris blue; the dogs. dark brown 5 Jength about °

thirteen inches.

The jay is considered one of the most elegant
birds indigenous to Great Britain. It inhabits
wooded districts, living chiefly upon fruits. In con-

sequence it becomes a sad enemy to the gardener,

devouring all kinds of fruit, and committing great
hhavoc upon the crops of peas, when in bearing.
Smaller birds are not always safe from its attacks.
It builds its basket-like nest in trees or hedges,
72 :

—







THE JAY.





THE STARLING.



{{ _ VOL, II. L



THE STARLING,

laying five or six eggs, of a dull whitish olive, mot-
tled with pale brown.

Even in a wild state the jay is the very prince of
British mimics, imitating the sounds with which it
happens to be most familiar, as the bleating of a lamb,
the mewing of a cat, the cry of a hawk or buzzard,
the hooting of an owl, the neighing of a horse, and
such like sounds, with great accuracy. These imita-
tions, Colonel Montague observes, are so exact, that
he has been often deceived by them in the woods.
But under careful instruction the imitations of this
bird are perfectly wonderful. ‘“ We have heard one,”
says Bewick, in his History of British Birds, “ imi-
tate the sound made by the action of a saw so
exactly, that though it was on a Sunday, we could
hardly be persuaded that the person who kept it had
not a carpenter at work in the house. Another, at
the approach of cattle, had learned to hound a cur
dog upon them, by whistling and calling upon him
by his name: at last, during a severe frost, the dog
was, by that means, excited to attack a cow in calf,
when the poor animal fell on the ice, and was much
hurt : the bird was complained of as a nuisance, and
its owner was obliged to destroy it.”

The Staruine is of a shining brassy black, spotted
with little triangular spots of reddish-white; the
lower coverts of the tail are bordered with white;
the bill yellow; the legs brown; the length about
eight inches.

These birds inhabit the old Continent, from Nor-
way to very southern latitudes. Their general food
consists of insects and their larve, snails, earth-worms,
grain, seeds, and berries. In the Orkney islands





99







menial |







SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

they are as common as sparrows elsewhere; flocks of

.them are to be seen perching on every wall and

chimney top. In flight they are not undulatory, but
smooth and even ; they walk very nearly in the man-

ner of a wagtail; but when they assemble in flocks

their movements are noisy and tumultuous, des-
cribing, according to Buffon, a sort of vortex, com-
bined with an advancing progress. They chatter
much in the evening and morning, both when they
assemble, and when they disperse. On the approach
of birds of prey they rally in close array, and usually
succeed in driving off the marauders.

The female makes an artless nest, in the hollow
of old trees or walls, sometimes in cliffs overhanging
the sea: she lays four or five eggs, of a pale greenish
ash-colour.

Starlings are often domesticated, from their re-
markable imitative talent: they are easily taught to
whistle simple airs, to articulate certain sounds, and
to repeat words.



BULFINCH AND NEST.
(Loxia vulgaris.)

Tue bulfinch, though somewhat clumsily built, must
be pronounced a very handsome and choice bird.
Its head, throat, wings, and tail are velvet-black,
tinged with velvet purple; the nape of the neck and
back bluish-grey ; the cheeks, neck, breast, belly,
and flanks, claret-red; the rump and lower parts
white; the great wing-coverts are tipped and mar-
74,









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THE BULLFINCH.





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BULFINCH AND NEST. a
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pa

gined with pinkish white, forming a transverse bar
across the wing; the bill and legs are dark brown ;
the length about six inches.

This prince of pipers is by no means uncommon,
being very widely scattered. Cold and temperate
climates seem best to suit it, though it is found almost
throughout Europe, and in America, Northern
Asia is likewise its cradle; but in Africa it is rarely
to be met with, and never in New Holland.

The food of this bird, during the winter months
at least, consists principally of pine and fir seeds,
corn, and all sorts of berries. During the spring and
early part of the summer, they feed upon those buds
of trees which are pregnant with the leaves and

| flowers, especially of the apple, pear, peach, and
other garden trees. Such trees are often so pro-
fusely stripped by these feathered rogues, that the
crop is completely destroyed.

The architectural skill of the bulfinch is consider-

( able, making a very neat nest. It sometimes builds
) in low thick bushes ; ; but most commonly on the flat
branch of a spruce pine or silver fir. In the latter
case the architect lays a foundation of birch twigs,
placed crossways in the forks of the branches, paying
much attention to the security of the fabric. When
the bird selects a spruce pine, finding that the flat
branch itself is an excelient foundation, it uses a
much smaller number of sticks. Having reared a
ground-work to its mind, a quantity of flexible fibrous.
roots are collected, which the builder intertwines
into a sort of basket-work, rather loose, and only just
sufficient to hold the eggs and young from rollmg
down. The inside is wholly lined with fine roots,
75







ie







—_

—~——

See

SS

SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY,

usually without any hair or feathers. The eggs are
generally four or five, ot a bluish-white, speckled
with pale orange. The young are generally hatched
in May or June.

But the chief value of the bulfinch consists in its
high capabilities as a songster, or rather, as a piper ;
some of them being able to whistle distinctly three
different tunes, without spoiling or confusing them
in the least. There is doubtless a great difference in
the natural capabilities of these birds; one learning
with ease and quickness, another with slowness and
difficulty. Yet it is remarkable that those birds
which learn with most difficulty, remember the
songs, when once learnt better and longer, indeed
rarely forgetting them. The attachment which bul-
finches form for persons, is also most remarkable.
Of this many well-attested facts might be given,
Hundreds of bulfinches are yearly taught, and ex-
ported to foreign countries, by the German bird-
sellers, their value varying from one to several
pounds sterling. The male bulfinch will, in confine-
ment pair with the hen-canary ; but this is attained
with some difficulty.



BIRDS OF PARADISE.

ALTHOUGH specimens of these birds are now com-
mon, yet is their history still but very imperfectly
known. They were formerly procured chiefly from
the Chinese, who, to enhance their value, always sold
them to Europeans in a mutilated state, pretending



~~












BIRDS OF PARADISE.





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THE BIRDS OF PARADISE.

that they were of heavenly origin, lived upon some
kind of nectar, and were without feet. These idle
tales have in modern times been corrected by matter
of fact. Travellers have of late years, often seen
them alive in their native woods; and have intro-
duced them amongst us in an unmutilated state.
They form a large family, are of singular form, and
many of them arrayed in plumage of transcendent
brilliancy. Of this our readers will find ample

- proof in the numerous beautifully preserved speci-

mens in the British Museum. Their habitat is New
Guinea, and the Moluccas.

The characteristic marks of this family are as
follow :—the bill of medium size, straight but com-
pressed; the nostrils entirely concealed by the
feathers; the legs short but strong; the tarsus, or
thumb-like toe, longer than the middle toe; the
back toe longer than the others; the sixth or seventh
feather of the wing the longest. The largest of
these birds, called by Linnzus apoda, from its sup-
posed want of feet, is about two feet long; the
smallest denominated regia, from five to seven
inches,

These birds, it is believed, live in troops, and are
not monogamous, a male bird being found with about
fifteen. females, which form his seraglio. They are
seen on the tops of the highest trees, and make a
loud and shrill cry, in a kind of musical gradation,
he, hi, ho, haw, repeated rapidly and frequently.
M. Lesson tells us, that when in the island of New
Guinea, and in the woods for the purpose of shoot-
ing, a bird of paradise flew gracefully, and in an
undulatory manner, by him; the feathers of its sides

77









100







SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

forming an elegant and aérial plume, which, he

thought, without exaggeration, bore no remote re-
semblance to a brilliant meteor. Such was the sur-
prise, and high gratification of the traveller, that his
eyes alone devoured this splendid bird, since he
forgot that his gun was in his hand, until the bird
had flown far away.

Travellers have remarked that the plumage of
these birds is never out of order, or has the least
soil upon it. Indeed it seems the business of their
lives to give attention to the toilet. They wash
twice every day, even in confinement, and comb and
plume every feather separately with their bills.
And as if fearful that their gay apparel should be-
come bleached by the heat of a tropical sun, they take
care to conceal themselves under the luxuriant foli-
age with which they are surrounded, during the
hotter parts of the day, so that they are never seen
but in the early part of the morning. They are
sometimes to be met with at Macao, where they are
kept in cages.

The birds of Paradise in the Moluccas are called
manucodewatas, which signifies, the birds of God.

Of this splendid family our artist has selected
three as illustrations, and of which we proceed to

ive a brief notice.

(1.) The Gruar Emeraxp, or Paradisea apoda.
This bird has been the most often seen in a state of
nature, and is perhaps the most elegant of the whole
family. Still description is completely set at de-
fiance by the vivid and changing tints of this magni-
ficent inhabitant of the forest. The general plum-
age is cinnamon colour; the throat golden green ;

78







GREAT EMERALD BIRD OF PARADISE.

=. ie ee <<. ae aa













long, floating, and of a rich silky yellow colour;
the two intermediate tail-feathers being long and
setaceous.

‘“‘One of the best opportunities,” says Mr. Ben-
nett, ‘‘of seeing this splendid bird in all its beauty
is early i in the morning when he makes its toilet.
The beautiful sub-alar plumage is then thrown out,
and cleaned from any spot that may sully its purity ;
the wings are extended to the utmost, and kept in a
flatting “motion, at the same time raising up the
delicate long feathers over the back, which are
spread in a chaste and elegant manner, floating like
films in the ambient air.’

(2.) The Rep Brrp or Panrapisz, or Paradisea
rubra, is also cinnamon-coloured in its plumage; the
occiput and back citron-yellow; the front golden-
green, with long floating red side-feathers, and two
broad naked shafts: the body is nine inches long,
but to the tip of the flowing feathers, thirteen.

(3.) The Roya Brrp or Paranisg, or Paradisea
regia, has its plumes chestnut, with a golden pecto-
ral band; the two middle tail feathers filiform, with,
lunated feathered tips.

This splendid denizen of the woods is the smallest
of the tribe, not exceeding the size of a lark, usually
measuring rather more than five inches in length,
without reckoning the two middle tail feathers,
which are almost six inches long, in the form of
naked shafts, divaricating as they extend, and each
terminating in a moderately broad gold green web,
rising from one side only of the shaft, and disposed

into a flat spiral, of nearly two convolutions.
79
|

Sooo

THE BIRDS OF PARADISE. ag
the head citron-yellow; the side feathers extremely













CLASS II.—AVES, OR BIRDS. ] [ORDER TI.—PASSERES.

DIVISION IV.—TENUIROSTRES, OR SOFT-BILLED.

THE NUTHATCH AND HOOPOE.
(Sitta Europea.) (Upupa epops.)

Tne Nuthatch, though widely scattered throughout
Europe, is a British bird, remaining permanently
with us. The bill of this bird is straight and cylin-
drical; its nostrils partly concealed by reflected
bristles; the tongue short and horny; it has three
toes before, and one behind, which is very long, with
a long hooked claw; the tail is composed of twelve
feathers.

The plumage of the nuthatch is lead-colour ahove,
and brown beneath; a black streak appears across
the eyes; the lateral tail feathers are black, but
whitish towards the tips; the breast and belly buff
orange. The bird in length is about five and-a-half
inches.

These birds are expert climbers, and from the
make of their feet differ from the wood-peckers in
being able to ascend or descend the trunks of trees
with equal facility. Their food chiefly consists of
insects and their larve. Sometimes they feed on
nuts and seeds: in breaking the shell of the former
they shew considerable dexterity, placing the nut in
a chink of the tree, and then striking it with their
bill, until it breaks, when they readily procure the
contents. .


















ing the woods, making a rude nest in the holes of
80



———_S



The nuthatch is a shy and solitary bird frequent-

——~)),





THE NUTHATCH.

)





THE HOOPOE.








DN ae



==

THE HOOPOE.

the woodpeckers. The female is a good sitter,
though from timidity, she is easily driven from her
nest, and when disturbed hisses at her enemy, like ,
a snake.

The Hooroz or Uprupa Erors. ‘This singular
and beautiful bird can hardly be denominated Bri-
tish, since it visits Great Britain only very occasion- {
ally, and then only for a short time in the autumn of
the year. It has usually been arranged among a
species of foreign birds called promerops; but the }
correctness of this connexion is, at least, very doubt- |
ful. The hoopoe, remarks Baron La Fresnaye, from
the shortness of its fore toes, the almost straight |

(

trees, often in those which have been deserted by

SS
SOF

aa

form of the claws, and particularly from the claw of

the hind-toe, has evident affinities with the larks,
and other conirostral ground birds.

The bill of the hoopoe is very long, and slightly
arched ; the nostrils are surrounded with feathers in
front; it has three toes before, the exterior united

VOL. I. M 1



hind; the tail square, consisting of ten feathers.
The head is adorned with two rows of reddish fea-
thers, terminated with black, forming an arched
tuft, which the bird has the power of elevating or
depressing at pleasure; the body of an iron-brown
colour; the wings black, with fine white bands ;
the tail black, with a lunated white band. Its
length about a foot.
This bird is rare in England, but common in :

with the middle one to the first joint, and one be-

the south of France, where they arrive late in the
spring, and depart towards the close of summer. In
the neighbourhood of Bourdeaux, and on the banks

6 OO eee

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—_~ EES eS ESE
ene eee ee







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—— ee

101







a a op LS



See

SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

of the Garonne, are large tracts of marshy ground,
where poplars and willows are planted, and among
which insects very much abound. Such localities
are favourite retreats of the hoopoes: they may fre-
quently be seen examining the rotten and hollow
parts of the trees for insects, where also they make
their inartificial nests, consisting chiefly of dried
grass. The number of eggs laid range in number
from four to seven, and are of a pale lavender grey.
The young are generally hatched towards the end
of May. ‘These birds are very much on the ground,
their power of flight being inconsiderable.

Two young hoopoes, Beckstein tells us, taken
from the top of an oak, were, with much care and
attention reared. They soon became very familiar
with their owner, climbing upon his person, perch-
ing on his shoulders, and even on his head. This
attention was particularly manifested when a small
pan with milk was produced, and with which they
were fed. Cream was with them a favourite dish,
which they would greedily swallow. They were
also partial to beetles and may-bugs, first killing
them, and then tossing them up in the air and catch-
ing them: they would, however, never touch an
earth-worm. They became so tame that their owner
was accustomed to take them into the fields, for the
purpose of catching insects for themselves. In these
excursions their great dread of birds of prey became
very apparent. In such cases the hoopoes would
crouch down upon the ground, covering themselves
as much as possible with their wings, yet carefully
watching the object of their alarm. No sooner had
the bird which frightened them disappeared, than

82







So
SO

ll oo

VS eee eee eee ee eee eee

————— EEE TE
SOOO el OOOO





CREEPERS AND NEST.





EE EE

they would immediately jump up, uttering the cry

t
THE CREEPER AND NEST. |
of “vec, vec, vec,” indicative of their joy. When

“ hoop, hoop.”

Hoopoes are widely spread throughout Europe,
and in Northern Africa. Varieties of this species -
are likewise to be found in Asia, central Africa, and
India.



usual note of the male bird was little more than

THE CREEPER AND NEST.

excited they became somewhat clamorous; but the
(Certhia familiaris.)

Specimen which we have selected be the only one
known in Great Britain, where also it remains during
the whole year. In some countries it is believed to
be migratory.

The bill is about half-an-inch long, slender, and
curved ; the head and neck streaked with black and
yellow-brown, with a white line over each eye; the
back, wings, and tail a tawny brown, and a yellowish-
white bar across the wing; the breast and belly
silvery white; length about five inches.

The creeper is a most restless and active bird,
ever on the move, climbing up and about the
branches of trees in search of insects. From its ex-
treme activity it is seldom seen, and hence but little
known. It has a monotonous note or chirp, which
it is ever repeating.

ee ee
TS

Or this species there are several varieties, though the

. 83

a aN aa a

Toe eee eee eS
—_— Sl







—~—__
> ee
ST



——_ -——_~ —~ —.
a







SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

Our print will show the manner in which its sim- |
ple nest is constructed, formed chiefly of dried grass
and feathers, and placed in the hole of a decayed |
tree. The female is regularly fed by the male bird |
while sitting on her eggs, amounting in number to
six or eight.

This bird is extensively scattered throughout Eu- |
rope. It may be ranked also amongst the birds of )
the northern States of America.

HUMMING BIRDS.

THERE is as much truth as “poetry in the exclama-
tion of the Psalmist— When I consider thy hea-
vens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the |
stars, which thou hast ordained ;—What is man?
—Thou hast put all things under his feet :—the
fowl of the air !?—Psalm viti., 3—8. While we ad-
mire the vastness and order of the Creator’s works
in the starry firmament, we are not less surprised at
the wondrous display of his power in the formation
of the more minute parts of his works. The mar-
vellous variety of forms, colours, and tints, in that
numerous but immaculate class of creatures called
humming birds, excite alike our wonder and de-
light. The pen of the writer, and the pencil of
the artist, are alike set at defiance, in the amazing
brilliancy of colour in these beautiful, but minute
tenants of the woods. The birds themselves, after
death, present but a faint portraiture of what they
were when alive; ever on the wing, fluttering from
B4

ad



——$
SS









HUMMING BIRDS.



EEO
— SS

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HUMMING BIRDS.

flower to flower, and from shrub to shrub; while,
beneath the glare of a tropical sun, their magnifi-
cently splendid plumage is ever varying its tints,
presenting in turns to the eye of the wondering be-
holder, the sparkling whiteness of the diamond, the
burnished gold-colour of the topaz, the lustrous
green of the emerald, the gorgeous azure of the
sapphire, the rosy red of the amethyst, the transpa-
rent violet of the jacinth, and the combined splendour
of the chalcedony.

The beauty of these birds can only be rightly ap-
preciated when they are seen alive. ‘ Those,” ob-
serves Mr. Bullock, ‘‘ who have seen these birds
whilst living, displaying their moving crests, throats
and tails, like the peacock in the sun, can never look
with pleasure on their mutilated forms. I have,”
continues Mr. Bullock, “carefully preserved about
two hundred specimens, in the best possible man-
ner, yet they are still but the shadow of what they
were in life. The reason is obvious; for the sides
of the lamine or fibres of each feather, being
of a different colour from the surface, will change
when seen in a front or oblique direction; and as
each laminz or fibre turns upon the axis of the
quill, the least motion, when living, causes the fea-
thers to change suddenly to the most opposite
hues.” The females are generally without the splen-
dour of the males; and it is not till the third year
that the young males’ shine out in the full radiance
of their nuptial dress.

The number of species of the humming bird is

still unknown. Mr. G. Loddiges, in 1842, posses-_

sed, it was said, one hundred and ninety-six species,



a na eo
eee









SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY. |
(

But the splendid case of humming birds belonging
to our friend Mr. Leadbeater, and lately to be seen }
in the northern transept of the Great Exhibition, }
surpasses even this. The number of species in this }
collection exceeds two hundred, and are of trans- |
cendent brilliancy. Here, almost every conceivable {
form of bill may be noticed; some curved, others
recurved ; some very long, or straight, others sharp,
or very short; every variety, likewise, of singular |
appendages may also be observed ; frills, ruffs, crests, (
varied tails diversified in shape; others with fea- |
thered boots. This magnificent case of birds is
valued at a thousand guineas; and may, unless }
already disposed of, be seen at Mr. Leadbeater’s \
house, 19, Brewer-street, Golden-square. Mr. ;
Gould’s collection in the Kegent’s Park Gardens is, )
we believe, still more extensive, amounting to nearly, (
or quite, three hundred species. These, we trust,
at the commencement of another season, will be
free to public inspection; when we are sure they
will excite that attention which they so well de-
serve. : \
The anatomy of the humming bird is peculiar; }
an examination of the skeleton will explain the }
cause of the rapid and varied motion of this bird. }
The deep keel of the breast-bone, the power of the |
bones of the wing, the lengthened scapula, or shoul-
der-bone, and the large pectoral muscles, all de- |
monstrate an organization of the locomotive system, |
especially adapted to the development of the highest
powers of flight. The long tongue of the humming
bird is also remarkable.

Humming birds were certainly but little known,

SSS SSS S000 8S eo <> ——— ae
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SEES Eee eee eS eee

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HUMMING BIRDS.



a







~~



HUMMING BIRDS.

if not quite unknown to the ancients. Soon after
the discovery of the New World by the Spaniards, it
was noticed that the radiant mantles worn by the
natives in Montezuma’s time, arose from the feathers
of these diminutive birds. These birds abound in
the warmer regions; and are dispersed over every
part of America and its islands, and in almost every
climate: for during the summer months they are
found in Hudson’s Bay and Canada. Captain
Cook brought many fine specimens from Nootka
Sound. One, the smallest species, less than some of
the bees, is found in Jamaica, where Mr. Bullock
observed one of them which had taken his station
in a tamarind tree, and from which he furiously
drove away every intruder, though more than ten
times his own size.

Some diversity of opinion exists as to whether the
humming birds are birds of song. In general they
certainly are not; yet it is quite possible that among
so large a family, some may possess the power of
song, though in a subordinate degree. The hum-
ming which they make in flying, does not proceed
from their voice, but is occasioned by the very quick
vibratory motion of their wings.

From #he length of the tongue in these birds it
became commonly believed that they live chiefly on
the honey or nectar obtained from flowers. This may
be part of their food at particular seasons of the year;
but from an examination of the stomachs of many of
them after death, it is certain that they also feed
upon the smaller beetles and flies. Travellers have
noticed some of the smaller species busy in robbing,
with considerable caution, the web of a spider, for
87



Si

| ~ SE aa = fer
— —— = ee ee ——EOeEEe—EOEEEEEEOeESEeee et

\.



——_



SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

any small insect which might chance to have be-
come entangled therein.

The nests of these lovely pigmies are no less
curious and wonderful than themselves. They
greatly vary, both in form and structure; but
the tiny architects being aware of the small quan-
tity of animal heat in themselves, seek the softest
and most delicate materials for the construction
of their nests. Cotton, thistle down, and fine fibre,
are the principal articles employed. In Tobago,
and other- parts, the humming birds perform a mi-
gration, arriving about February, and leaving to-
wards the beginning of August. The nests are usu-
ally of the basket form; but some construct sus-
pensory nests, sometimes fastened at the end of a
single twig, while others make them more secure by
fastening them in more than one place. Some of
the basket-nest builders have been noticed to make
their nests higher, as the young increase in size.
The period of incubation seems to vary from twelve
or thirteen days, to twenty-one. During this sea-
son the birds become perfect furies if the neigh-
bourhood of their domain be encroached upon. Their
flight under excitement is swift as an arrow, accom-
panied with shrill piercing shrieks. They attack
the eyes of the larger birds with their sharp needle-
like bills, and which, in truth, are formidable wea-
pons in this kind of warfare. When intruded upon
by one of their own species, a severe conflict be-
comes certain. With swollen throats, up-lifted

‘crests, expanded wings and tail, the fight is continued,

until one of the combatants falls exhausted on the
ground. Such pugnacious audacity possibly led the
88











HUMMING BIRDS



~~

eo Oe eee EEE
OS

—_—

HUMMING BIRDS,

Mexicans to a belief that the diminutive bodies of
these winged furies contained the souls of slain
warriors. ;

It has been remarked that some species of hum-
ming birds, like bats, frequently in sleeping, sus-
pend themselves by the feet, with their heads
downwards.

Our artist has selected six specimens as illustra-
tions, which we now proceed briefly to describe.

1. The Trocuitus cornutus, or Hornep Hum-
MING-BIRD. The bill and feet of this remarkable
bird are very weak, and of a dark colour; two flat-
tened fan-shaped crests, each of six feathers proceed
from the forehead on a level with the eyes. The
brilliancy of these crests surpasses all description,
varying the hues of polished gold to red, then
to blue, next to green, and again to the brightest
yellow. The feathers of the forehead, sparkle with
metallic green, changing to deep blue. The lower
part of the belly is white; but the middie of the
abdomen and the flanks are like the back, golden-
green, mingled with grey towards the base of the
feathers. The back and sides of the head, the
rump, and the back, are metallic golden-green. The
tail consists of ten feathers, of which four are longer
than the rest, and are graduated and white, excepting
the two middle, which are brown. The wings, though
long, reach only to the half of the tail. The female
bird has no crest, and her livery is less brilliant. The
length of the bird a little more than four inches.

2. The TrocHiLvus rEcuRVinostRis, or REcuRVED-
BILL HumMine-BirD, known also as the Ornismya
Avocetta., The general colour of this.bird is golden-

VOL, Il. N 89

~——









—
2 gpg

108

}

y

———



———.

SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.
green; the throat a shining.emerald-green; the
f



middle of the breast and body black; the lateral tail
feathers short, but topazine beneath. But the dis-. /
tinguishing characteristic of this family is the re-
curved-bill, which is believed to be without parallel
in any other land bird yet discovered. It is a native
of Peru.

8. The Ornismya Gounpi1, or GouLp’s Hum-
MING-BIRD. Mr. Loddiges, already referred to, was
we believe the first person who possessed this sin-
gularly curious bird. It is found in Guiana, Brazil,
and Trinidad. This gorgeously arrayed native of
the woods possesses some marks in common with.
the large family of which it is a member, such as
its short legs and long bill, alike of a dark colour ;
yet in other respects it is distinguished by a livery
peculiarly its own. It has a pointed and erect tuft
on the top of the head of a deep chesnut colour; the
back is golden-green; a white stripe traverses the
rump; the tail is of inordinate length, fanned and
rounded, the two middle feathers of which are
golden-green; the side feathers black; the wings
are purple-brown ; the front of the neck and upper
part of the abdomen of a varied lustrous emerald-
green, the still lower parts brownish-green ; feathers
disposed in a fan shape proceed from each side of
the throat, the longest on the outside, and the
shortest the most internal: these are all pure white,
excepting at the end of each, which is encircled by
deep green, with gold and emerald hues in the
centre, somewhat resembling the tail of the peacock.

4. The Trocuitus Moscuitus, or RUBY CRESTED
Hummine-sirp, has small feathers about the bill

90

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NE OT TE TE

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TTT Teer st





THE KINGFISHER.





THE COMMON BEE-EATER,



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THE BEE-EATER AND KINGFISHER.

and head, which in one point of view appear to be
light ruby, and in another purple. The plumage
above is black, with green reflections. It is found in
Cayenne and Brazil. :

5. The Trocuitus AmMrtuystinus, or AMETHYS?:
Hummine-sirp, is another singular variety, having
the throat and front of the neck of a brilliant ame-
thyst colour, changing according to the light in
which it is seen, into a purpled-brown. Its habitat
is Cayenne.

6. The last variety which we notice is the Tro-
CHILUS CYANEUS OY BLUE-GREEN HuvuMMING-BIRD,
which, like all its compeers, is singular in form, and
resplendent in colour.

CLASS I1.—AVES, OR BIRDS.] [ORDER II.—PASSERES.

THE BEE-EATER AND KINGFISHER. —

Tue family of birds now to be described is dis-
tinguished by the name of syndactyle, because their
toes are joined ; the outward toe to the second joint
of the middle toe, and the inner toe to the first joint.
In other respects birds arranged in this division very
much differ among each other.

The Common Buz-xzater, or Merops apiaster, has

a sharp-edged pointed bill, the nostrils much con-

cealed by hairs, and directed forward. The forehead

is greenish-white; the neck and back chestnut; the
91

A er
SS









EE
EEE EET















SCRIPTURE NATURAL HiSTORY,.

body generally reddish-yellow; the middle part of
the wing deep red; the wing and tail feathers olive-
green; the throat golden-yellow; the two middle
tail feathers being elongated. It must be pronounced
a very handsome bird.

This bird is but an occasional visitor to Great
Britain, and then only in the fall of the year. It is
common throughout the warmer regions of Europe
and Asia. The bee-eater is also found in Australia,
but not in America.

These birds are gregarious, catching their prey
when on the wing, after the manner of swallows, and
which consists chiefly of bees, of which they destroy
an immense number. In countries where they are
common, they are often caught by a thread baited at
the end with a flying insect secured by a small pin,
the other end of the thread being kept in the hand.
The poor bird catches at the insect, and with it
swallows the pin, wherewith it is caught.

They make their nests in holes upon the banks of
rivers.

The Kinertsuer (Alcedo ispida), with its varieties,
is dispersed throughout the whole world, although
but one species is found in Europe. The whole
family is remarkable rather for brilliancy of colour,
than elegance of shape. ‘Their flight is strong and
rapid. Most of them frequent the banks of rivers,
and are expert fishers.

The European species, so well known in England,
is the alcyone of the ancients, which the poets feigned
as occupying a floating nest, and calming adverse

- winds and stormy seas. That entertaining liar, Ovid,
tells the tale that, Alcyone having lost her husband
“92



—







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ae Ns <=



THE KINGFISHER,

a
(
Ceyx, in a storm at sea, and going to the beach to
lament her loss, at a distance she descried her hus-
band’s corpse ; attempting to throw herself headlong
into the sea, she was changed into a bird :—
“Then flick’ring to his pallid lips, she strove
| To print a kiss, the last essay of love, (
* * * * * * *
The gods their shapes to winter birds translate,
But both obnoxious to their former fate.
Their conjugal affection still is tried,
And still the mournful race is multiplied : :
- * s Alcyone compress'd,
Seven days sits brooding on her floating nest.”
(Gartn’s Ovid’s Metamorphoses, book xi.)
(
)
j
{
f
}
)
)
\
(
{
)

The length of the kingfisher is about seven inches,
the bill being two inches, and strong and straight.
The upper mandible is black, fading into a reddish-
orange, which is also the colour of the lower one. A
broad stripe passes from the bill over the eye, to the
hinder part of the neck, of a bright orange colour,
margined with black; the throat is white; the head
and wing-coverts of a brilliant green, spotted with
light blue; the middle of the back and tail a re-
splendent blue; the under parts generally of a bright
orange; the legs and toés being red.

j Its food consists entirely of fish, on which it darts

| with unerring certainty, often remaining for several

) seconds under water, while it is gaining the object of
its pursuit. On bringing up the fish it carries it to
the land, beats it to death, and swallows it. The
evolutions of the bird are quick as lightning, and in
its short flight it passes on like a flaming meteor.

( The artless nest is made in a hole by the water’s

{ edge, the entrance to it being often under water.

(

93

eae 1
NNR LL

104



=

|



—

SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

This, perhaps, exposes the young to much danger,
not merely from floods, but the attacks of water-

-yats and other vermin. ‘The eggs of the king- |
fisher are of a clear white, and usually six in num-
ber. Excepting in the breeding season, these birds

are always seen alone. They are extremely shy,
living in marshy and unfrequented places; yet, ina
village near London, we recollect seeing a very fine
male kingfisher brought into the room by a cat,
which she had only just captured, the poor bird
being still warm. Kingfishers are, we believe, no-
where very numerous.

















THE HORNBILLS.

Tuxse birds, from the peculiar form of their feet, have’
been arranged with the birds just described, though,
in other respects, they are so peculiar that they
might seem to require a distinct place for themselves.
They are widely scattered in the Old World, being
found in Africa, India, and the Indian Archipelago.

The Rutnoczeros Hornsitz, or Buceros Rhi-
noceros,is about the size of a turkey-hen, but more
slender. The bill is nearly a foot long, and furnished
at the base of the upper mandible with an extremely
large process, continued for a considerable space in a
parallel direction with the bill, and then turned
upwards in a contrary direction, like an inverted
horn. Though such an organization may seem for-
midable, yet the bird is said to be quiet and unoffend-
ing. Its plumage is black, and the tail tipped with

94



Eee



oe aoe eas





HORNBILLS





THE GREEN WOODPECKER,





COMMON AND EGYPTIAN CUCKOOS.



Full Text





































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































S
SY HOUSE HECORATOR
APER HANGER



The Baldwin Library

RmB via






REDBREAST AND NEST.
SCRIPTURE

NATURAL HISTORY,

AND
GUIDE T0 GENERAL ZOOLOGY:
ILLUSTRATED BY
UPWARDS OF THREE HUNDRED COLOURED ENGRAVINGS:

THE WHOLE ARRANGED AND WRITTEN FROM THE BEST AND MOST MODERN

AUTHORITIES,

Br W. Il. BICKNELL,

LICENTIATE OF THEOLOGY, AND AUTHOR OF “THE ILLUSTRATED LONDON,’

.THE ILLUSTRATED PARIS,”? ETC., ETC.

VOL. II.

THIRTY-THIRD THOUSAND.

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY THE

LONDON PRINTING AND PUBLISHING COMPANY, LIMITED:
LONDON AND NEW YORK.


PENDULINE TITMICE AND NEST.
ee, ee
eens

arene

ae

aaa EEE

i

eS
we

THE BLUE TITMOUSE.

frequenting the farm-yards, cow-houses, and orchards.
It is also very hardy, and may be brought up without
much trouble, feeding it at first with bread and
milk, afterwards with hemp seed.

Tue Buue Tirmovuse, or Tom-Tit is about an
inch less in length than the great titmouse, and very
much resembles it in colour. The female is some-
what smaller than the male, and her colours not so
bright.

These birds are reputedly very bad gardeners, but
it may be questioned whether such be the fact.
Perhaps the number of caterpillars which they
destroy, is an ample compensation for any little mis-
chief they may commit. Their habits are essentially
the same as the great titmouse.

PENDULINE TITMOUSE AND NEST.

(Parus pendulinus.)

Tue bird now to be described is chiefly remarkable
for the singular nest which it builds. Birds living
near the water are often noticed for some peculiarity
relative to their nests. The kingfisher, for example,
usually chooses a hole in the bank of a river or piece
of water, where it constructs its nest, though often
inconvenienced, or even destroyed, by such a choice.
In like manner the penduline titmouse is always to
be found near the water, on the banks of rivers, or
on marshy ground liable to inundations. Such situa-
tions abounding in tall and strong reeds afford the
architect fine opportunities for hanging its nest over

)





eee ee lB eS ee eS
SS Oa eo

ren

EOE

ne ee ee EEE

SS
SSS

PRA


SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

the water or marsh, but at such a height that no
sudden rise in the water beneath shall affect the pen-
dulous-nest above; while the wetness of the ground
is a sufficient protection from the truant feet of man

but who cannot approach it without hazard.

In the selection of such an abode the bird is not
merely guided by a desire for security, but the situa-
tion also affords an ample supply of food, both vege-
table and animal; the seeds of the aquatic plants
furnishing it with the one, while the innumerable



(
or boy, who may chance to sce this domed domicile,

swarms of flies and other insects abundantly furnish

food being often the reason for the choice of certain
localities. We call it choice, though in fact it is
anything but that, being an unerring inward guid-
ance dictated by its Creator.

The skilfully-wrought cradle, or purse-like nest of
this bird, is usually suspended at or towards the end
of some willow twig, or other flexible branch of an
aquatic tree or shrub. It is woven with the cotton-
like down of the willow or poplar, with an opening

the other. A good supply of a particular kind of
|

in the side for the ingress and egress of the artificers

at other times interwoven among the reed stems
themselves. The eggs herein deposited are generally
six in number, which are white, marked with red
spots.

This singular master-builder never honours Great
Britain with a visit, although far from uncommon in
the southern and eastern parts of Europe. It is
found in Russia, Poland, Hungary, Austria, along the
banks of the Danube, in France also, and in Italy.

2

SS ~~

—



and their young, mostly overhanging the water, or
\



THE YELLOW BUNTING,




THE YELLOW BUNTING.

The top of the head and neck of this warbler is
ash-colour; the back and scapulars reddish-grey ;
the throat white, the lower parts assuming a rosy
tint; the wings and tail blackish, bordered with
reddish white; the end of the tail white. The entire
length of the bird about four and-a-half inches. The
long-tailed titmouse of England greatly resembles
this bird in its architectural propensities, although
very different in other respects.

THE YELLOW BUNTING, AND SNOW
BUNTING.

(Emberiza citrinella.) (Emberiza nivalis.)

Tux family of the buntings is chiefly characterised
by the peculiar construction of the bill. The two
mandibles are moveable, and the edges of each bend
inwards; the opening of the mouth not being in a
straight line, as in other birds, but at the base the
junction is formed by an obtuse angle in the lower
mandible, nearly one-third of its length, which is
received by a corresponding angle in the upper one.
In the latter there is a strong knob, of great use in
breaking the harder kinds of seeds and kernels, on
which the bird feeds. The tongue is narrow, and
tapers to a point like a tooth-pick. The first joint
of the outer toe is joined to that of the middle one.
To a cockney, who scarcely knows the difference
between a sparrow and a peacock, to notice such
differences may appear superfluous and tedious. Our
apology, therefore, for introducing them must be,
VOL. II. F 33



SO
NR






smoke of dingy ’Change-alley, to a cit’s box in the
country, may, for his amusement, be desirous of
knowing the differences found among the birds with
which he may be then surrounded. Birds, like the
wilder animals, find their hunting-grounds so broken
into by an ever-increasing population, that they are
obliged to go farther-a-field fora quiet home. Birds,
for example, which were formerly to be found in
abundance in or near the little fishing village of Chel-
sea, no longer inhabit the densely-populated parish of
St. Luke.

The yellow bunting, or yellow-hammer, as it is
more commonly called, is one of our handsomest
birds, as to plumage; but far from contributing to
the harmony of our groves, is characterised by its
harsh and dissonant voice. Its head, neck, and
upper part of the breast, are yellow, varied with
olive-green; the back and scapulars brownish, in-
clining to green; the wings and wing coverts black-
ish-brown; the greater quills black, edged with
yellow. The length of the bird is about six inches.

The specific character of the yellow bunting ap-
pears to be plain; yet it is remarkable, that scarcely
two of these birds are perfectly similar. Of this our
readers may satisfy themselves, by a transient in-
spection of the’ numerous specimens of this bird
which are in the British museum. The colours of
the female vary but little from those of the male,
excepting about the head, which is not so yellow;






\
( SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY. (
| that the citizen, after he shall have retired from the
t
!
:
,
:
\

the colours also are less bright.
This pretty bird is common throughout the
country, frequenting every lane and hedge. It feeds
34

ie
: een et
ee


So Se OOOO
|

THE SNOW BUNTING.

on various kinds of seeds and insects. The yellow
bunting makes an artless nest, of the basket-work
kind, and lined inside with considerable care. The
locality of the nest is a low bush, or amongst reeds
in moist places. Many nests, however, may be found
built on the ground. Grahame, in his Birds of
Scotland, may tell the rest of the story:

“Up from the ford, a little bank there was,
With alder-copse and willow overgrown,
Now worn away by mining winter floods ;
There, at a bramble-root, sunk in the grass,
The hidden prize, of withered field-straws formed,
Well lined with many a coil of hair and moss,
And in it laid five red-veined eggs, I found.”

The Snow Buntine is the last variety of this
family which we can mention, being somewhat larger
than the foregoing. Its head, neck, under parts,
coverts of the wings, and the upper-half of the quill-
feathers, white ; the top of the back, the three secon-
daries, the bastard wings, and lower half of the quills,
black; the three lateral feathers of the tail white,
with a black streak; the others black, edged with
white; the legs black. It undergoes a considerable
alteration, as the winter advances, inclining then to
an ash-colour,

In summer it inhabits the arctic circle, but in
winter it migrates to warmer regions. The northern
parts of Scotland abound with them; and they have
often been seen in Northumberland and Yorkshire,
but scarcely ever more tothe south. Their arrival in
southern countries is almost sure to betoken a severe
winter, or heavy falls of snow. The snow bunting

“never perches, but continues always on the ground,
35

rar a NT ee
:

Eee EET
EOE
NN eS

MS






SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

and runs about like the larks, which birds it also
much resembles in the size and length of its hind
claws.

These hardy birds pass the summer months on
the hoary mountains of Spitzbergen, the Lapland
Alps, and the shores of Hudson’s Bay. They are
known to breed in Greenland, where the female
makes her nest in the fissures of the mountain rock;
the outside is composed of grass, within which is a
layer of feathers and the down of the arctic fox,
which compose the lining of its comfortable little man-
sion. She lays five white eggs spotted with brown.

BALTIMORE STARLING AND NEST.
(Icterus Baltimore.)

However curiously constructed many of the nests
of European birds may be, the Baltimore starling
seems to surpass them all. Almost the whole genus of
Orioles belong to America, and, with few exceptions
build pensile nests. None of them, however, equals
the Baltimore in construction of these receptacles
for their young, and in giving them such a superior
degree of convenience, warmth, and security. For
these purposes the Baltimore starling generally fixes
on the high bending extremities of the branches,
fastening strong strings of hemp or flax round two
forked twigs, corresponding to the intended width of
the nest; with the same materials mixed with quan-
tities of loose tow, it interweaves or fabricates a

‘strong, firm kind of cloth, not unlike the substance
36




THE BALTIMORE STARLING.
BALTIMORE STARLING AND NEST.

of a hat in its raw state, forming it into a pouch of
six or seven inches in depth, lining it substantially
with various soft substances, well interwoven with
the outward netting, and lastly, finishes with a layer
of horse-hair, the whole being shaded from the sun
and rain by a natural penthouse, or canopy of
leaves. Though birds of the same species have,
generally speaking, a common form of building, yet,
contrary to the usually received opinion, they do
not build exactly in the same manner. Some ap-
pear far superior workmen to others, and probably
age may improve them in this, as it does in their
colours. “I have,” says Mr. Wilson, “a number of
their nests now before me, all completed, and with
eggs. One of these, the neatest, is in the form of a
cylinder, of five inches diameter, and seven inches
in depth, rounded at bottom. The opening at
top is narrowed by a horizontal covering, to two
inches and a half in diameter. The materials are
flax, hemp, tow, hair, and wool, woven into a com-
plete cloth, the whole tightly sewed through and
through with long horse-hairs, several of which mea-
sure two feetin length. The bottom is composed of
thick tufts of cow-hair, sewed also with strong horse-
hair. This nest was hung on the extremity of the
horizontal branch of an apple-tree, fronting the
south-east, was visible one hundred yards off, though
shaded by the sun, and was the work of a very
beautiful and perfect bird. The eggs are five, white,
slightly tinged with flesh colour, marked on the
greater end with purple dots, and on the other parts
with long hair-like lines, intersecting each other in a
variety of directions.”


JJ E EEE e e
SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY,

So solicitous is the Baltimore to procure proper
materials for his nest, that in the season of building
the women in the country are under the necessity of
narrowly watching their thread that may chance to
be bleaching, and the farmer to secure his young /
grafts, as the Baltimore finding the former, and the
strings which tie the latter, so well adapted for his
purpose, frequently carries both off; or should the
one be too heavy, and the other too firmly tied, he
will tug at them a considerable time before he gives
up the attempt. Skeins of silk and hanks of thread
have been often found, after the leaves were fallen,
hanging round the Baltimore’s nest, but so woven up
and entangled, as to be entirely irreclaimable. Before
the introduction of Europeans no such material
could have been obtained here; but with the saga-
city of a good architect, he has improved this cir-
cumstance to his advantage, and the strongest and
best materials are uniformly found in those parts by
which the whole is supported.”

The preference given to superior materials has
been noticed in other birds. “I observed,” says
Mr. Bolton, “a pair of goldfinches beginning to
make their nest in my garden; they had formed the
ground-work with moss, grass, &c., as usual; but on
my scattering smal: parcels of wool in different paris
of the garden, they in a great measure left off the
use of their own stuff, and employed the wool. After-
wards I gave them cotton, on which they rejected
the wool and proceeded with the cotton; the third
\\ day I supplied them with fine down, on which the
forsook both the other, and finished their work with

this last article.”
38
— EES

|




LINNET AND SPARROW-


}



HOUSE-SPARROW AND LINNET.
(Fringilla domestica.) (Fringilla lanaria.)
In HEBREW, Tziphpor.—IN ENGLISH, The Chirper.

_% Then shall the priest command to take for him thut is cleansed

two BIRDS alive and clean.” —LEvITICUS, chap. xiv., 4.

Tur word Tziphpor occurs about thirty times in the
Old Testdient. Its proper signification is doubtless
sparrow; though sometimes translated Jdird, or
birds, as in the passage above quoted; at other
times fowl, as in Ezek. xxxix., 4.

The common house-sparrow hardly needs descrip-
tion. There may be some outward difference be-
tween the sparrows of London and other large
towns, and those of the country ; but this is merely
accidental, arising from the circumstance that the
poor bird, in the former localities, is always so be-
grimed by smoke and dirt that its real plumage is
scarcely perceptible. The sparrow, though some-
what dutch-built, is notwithstanding rather a hand-
some bird; the male being distinguished from the
female by a patch of black on his breast.

The sparrow, cleansed from his London dit, or
seen in the fields and stack-yards of the country,
may be thus described: the top of the head and
occiput are bluish-ash colour; a chestnut band above
the eyes, spreading on the sides of the neck; the
space between the bill and eye, throat and neck be-
fore, of a deep black; the black feathers of the neck
margined with white; the feathers of the back and
wings black, borslered with chestnut ; a single white

39



ST eee oD oe.

———— ee ooEOEL LL




SO eee OOo

SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

band extends across the wing. The length of the
sparrow is about five inches.

This well known bird is constantly found near the
dwellings of man, and is often persecuted for its de-
predations, though it is of essential service in the
general economy of nature as limiting the reproduc-
tive power of insects. It has been mentioned by an
accurate observer, that one pair carried to their nest
forty caterpillars in the space of an hour; so that on
the supposition of their entering the mest only
during twelve hours each day, they would occasion a
daily destruction of 480 caterpillars, or 3,360 in a
week,

The sparrow, though scattered throughout Europe,
must be pronounced a genuine British bird, never
leaving us, but at every season of the year to be
found in the most crowded and busy parts of a town,
building its nest, at the proper season, under the very
eaves of our houses, in holes of walls, ‘and, presuming
to be a member of an ecclesiastical establishment,
about our churches also. The nest is usually made
of hay, but exhibits no great architectural skill. In-
deed, the family mansion being more usually pro-
tected by a solid inclosure from the building, requires
no particular skill in its builders. The female lays
five or six eggs, of a reddish-white colour, spotted
with brown. These birds generally have three broods
in a year, beginning early, and ending late: their
increase, in consequence, must be very great.

Although sparrows, Yorkshiremen like, are at home
every where, and not easily faken in by snares and
traps, they are yet no changelings, but are known
to dwell in the same locality from generation to

40





)

ON Nee


THE LINNET.

generation, the same nest even being but a family
loom.

Sparrows have no native song, their chirp being
harsh and disagreeable ; but being, it is said, birds
of some capacity, they often, in confinement, are
taught the notes of the linnet and other birds. This
must be attended with some difficulty, since these
birds being coni-rostral, or hard billed, are not
formed for songsters by the hand of nature.

The Lynver is almost as well known as the spar-
row, being common in every part of Europe. It
is somewhat longer, but not so bulky, as the spar-
row. The belly is bluish-grey; the prevailing upper
colour is a dark reddish-brown, the lower a dirty
reddish-white. During the season of love, the breast
of the male assumes a beautiful crimson appearance.
The legs are brown. The colours of the female are
less bright than those of her lord.

The nests of these birds are built in low bushes;
the outside consisting of dry grass and moss, the
lining within being of hair and wool. The female
lays four or five eggs of a pale blue colour, spotted
with brown; and she generally breeds twice in the
year.

Few birds possess greater capabilities of voice than
the linnet. They may be taught either to pipe or
whistle, or the notes of any other bird. But their
education must be begun betimes; that is, when the
bird is not older than nine or ten days. No bird is
believed to be so good a schoolmaster for such young-

. sters as a wood-lark. Birds when thus young re-
quire peculiar treatment. The directions which Mr.
Ward gives on this are important, because the expe-

VOL, II. a 4l

OO ——eE™—Ee—EO EEO xv

<==



SS





|

ES net eed ee ee


—~——.

SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY. |

rience of thirty-four years.— Remarks on the Nature
of Song Birds. A little white bread should be
soaked in water, which done, it should be strained
and boiled with a little milk, but thick, like a hasty
pudding. To this may be added a little rape-seed,
soaked in water for ten or twelve hours, then scalded
and broken fine: a portion of this must be mixed
with the bread and milk. The nestlings must be
fed once every two hours, from six in the morning
till eight at night. When the birds are about six or
seven weeks old they will be able to crack seed, and
the soft food may then be gradually discontinued.
About June, branchers, or young birds already
flown, may be obtained, which require a less careful
training than the nest birds just referred to.

After the breeding season linnets become grega-
rious, being found in large flocks, when great num-
bers are caught for the table.



CHAFFINCH AND RED-POLE.
(Fringilla celebs.) (Fringilla Jinaria.)

~~

Every one who only takes an omnibus journey into
the country, is acquainted with the chaffinch; he
hears its simple native twick, twick, but thinks
nothing of it. Many of our continental neighbours
appreciate this bird much more highly. Three cen-
turies ago this bird is made to speak its own praise -
in old French, in the following quatrain, which will
uot admit of a translation, being a play. on two
( 42 :

~~






a .



THE CHAFFINCH AND REDPOLE.
—— >

Cl





THE CHAFFINCH.

words of the first line, and for that reason we print
them in capitals :—
“Pour bien PINSER lon me nom PINSON,
Qui ay la voix fort haultaine, et puissante,
Je hay le chauld, froidure m’ est plaisante ;
En ce contraire est 4 tous ma facon.”

In central Germany, where the chaffinch is highly
estimated, and where, when thoroughly trained,
always fetches a high price; when a bird can sing
or pipe the “ double trill of the Hartz through, full,
entire, and in all its strength,’ he is regarded as a
prodigy. In some of the villages of Thuringia, a
perfect mania seems to exist in favour of chaf-
finches. A cow has been given for one of these
favourites; and an artizan has been known to give
his louis d’or for a chaffinch, which he admired,
though he should be obliged to live on bread and
water to gain the money to pay for his pet. An
amateur, hearing one of these finished songsters, is
thereby thrown, it is said, into a perfect ecstasy. But
there is one remarkable peculiarity in the chaffinch
which does not apply to other piping birds: he must
be taught his song anew every year.

The male bird is remarkable for the cleanliness
and trimness of his plumage, which, without having
any great variety or splendour of colouring, is so
composed and arranged, and the white on his wings
so brilliant, as to render him a beautiful little crea-
ture. The female is as remarkable for the quiet
unobtrusive tintings of her dress; and when she
lies crouching in her nest, elegantly formed of
lichens from the bark of the apple-tree, and faded
mosses, she would hardly be perceptible but for her

43










Ooo

Se



——.






‘The males remain, and are met with, during the
44,
















SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

little bright eyes that peep with suspicious vigilance
from her covert. We will just add that the colours
of this bird are attractive. Its bill is pale blue,
tipped with black; the upper parts of the body of a
bluish-ash; the sides of the head, throat, and neck
vinaceous red; belly and thighs white, tinged with
red; the back reddish-brown, inclining to green
towards the tail; the greater and lesser coverts are
tipped with white; the bastard wing and quill fea-
thers black, edged with yellow; the tail black, edged
with white ; the legs are brown.

The chaffinch is one of our neatest architects,
constructing the nest of small fibres and moss, and
lining it with wool, hair, and feathers. The colour
of the nest is made to correspond in colour with the
branch on which it is placed. The female lays five
or six eggs, of a pale reddish colour, sprinkled with
dark spots. The male is most attentive to his mate,
seldom straying far from the place, and then only to
procure food. He is also very jealous, maintaining
most desperate battles with any intruder.

It has long been known that these birds, in Swe-
den, and other northern countries, perform a partial
emigration ; the females leaving their mates, and
spreading themselves through various parts of Europe.
A modern ornithologist, Mr. Selby, states that his ex-
perience enables him to say that the same thing
happens in England.

In Northumberland and Scotland this separation
takes place about the month of November, and from
that period till the return of spring, few females are
to be seen, and those few always in distinct societies.





















THE RED-POLE.

whole winter, in immense flocks. This separation of
the sexes appears to take place with many other
birds beside the chaffinches.

These birds have the reputation of being very bad
gardeners. In March, the florist often finds that
the polyanthuses, in the sheltered borders, are
stripped of all their blossoms by these pretty plun-
derers. The horticulturist, likewise, prefers a true
bill of indictment against them, because the young
turnips and radishes are most dexterously drawn up,
so soon as they appear upon the surface of the soil,
by the same marauders. The redeeming qualities in
chaffinches, however, seem to make ample reparation
for any mischief which they may do: they rid both
the florist and the gardener of thousands of insects
and larvee.

The rep-POLE will require but a passing notice.
This pretty little warbler may readily be known by a
large purplish red spot on the forehead; the breast also
being marked with the same colour, but not quite so
bright ; the lower parts are of a dingy white. The
female, though like the male, has not this pur-
plish red.

They make a shallow open nest of no great pre-
tensions; the female generally laying four eggs,
almost white, marked with reddish spots.

The habitat of this bird is extensive, spreading
over all the northern parts of Europe, from the ex-
treme parts of the Russian empire to Italy; it is
also common in North America, and in the northern
parts of Asia. They migrate towards the south on
the approach of winter.

45



—



ees
a





“ Chaste are their instincts, faithful is their fire,
No foreign beauty tempts to false desire ;
The snow-white vesture and the glittering crown,
The simple plumage, or the glossy down,
Prompt not their love. The patriot bird pursues
His well acquainted tints, and kindred hues:
Hence through their tribes no mixed polluted flame,
No monster-breed to mark the grove with shame ;
But the chaste blackbird, to its partner true,
Thinks black alone is beauty’s favourite hue ;
The nightingale, with mutual passion blest,
Sings to its mate, and nightly charms the nest ;
While the dark owl to court his partner flies,
And owns his offspring in their yellow eyes.”

Savery is a hateful word when applied to irrational
creatures, but when applied to any part of the family
of man, becomes monstrous, because iniquitous. If
man has any natural birth-right, it must be liberty.
Liberty of conscience towards God; civil liberty
amongst his fellow-men, with whom he equally
shares this blessing. Every just and free govern-
ment must protect these essential prerogatives, or
expose itself to censure and revolt. The slavery of
one race of human beings by another is terrible ;
and in the world’s history must come to an end.
The days of slavery, we believe, are numbered, and
that ere the nineteenth century is much farther ad-
vanced, the era of universal freedom must arrive.
Our sons on the other side of the Atlantic, now be-
come so numerous and strong, and who, we acknow-
46

THE GOLDFINCH.
(Fringilla carduelis.)
)
:
)
)
)




THE GOLDFINCH,


THE GOLD-FINCH.

ledge, received the traffic in human flesh from us,
are upon the point of fulfilling their own declara-
tion of INDEPENDENCE, so nobly made in 1776.

Our children in the United States, especially
those of the Northern States, have some of the best
of our Anglo-Saxon blood flowing in their veins;
and though they may not, at the bidding of us
their fathers, do this act of justice, yet must they do
it, urged by the advances which civilization and reli-
gion have made.

The slavery of any part of the human race always
brings with it frightful evils, physical and moral,
without any redeeming good whatever. In irra-
tional creatures it may be otherwise. To deprive
them of liberty, may at first sight appear unnatural ;
yet are many redeeming qualities connected with it,
which turns captivity itself into a blessing. Capti-
vity may be done by law, since the express words of
the statute book are—“Let them,” (the human
family) “ have dominion over the fish of the sea, and
over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over
all the earth, and over every creeping thing that
creepeth upon the earth.” Gen. i. 26.

Take the horse and the cow as examples amongst
our domestic animals. They have, doubtless, lost
their original freedom, and become subjugated to
the will of man; but see, in return, how well they
are protected and provided for. The husbandman
takes care to appropriate a large portion of the pro-
duce of the land for the maintenance of his depen-
dents, storing up both corn and hay for winter’s
supply ; together with the erection of stables and
sheds for their defence from bad weather. The

47

——-—~






SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

horse, naturally timid and a fugitive, is, in captivity,
taught courage by his owner, so “ That he mocketh
at fear, and is not affrighted.”—“ He swalloweth the
ground with fierceness and rage.”—“ He saith among
the trumpets, Ha, ha; and. he smelleth the battle
afar off.’—Job xxxix., 22—5.

In like manner are the songsters made captives by
man’s power; but soon they forget their captivity in
the abundance with which, without any care, they
are so well supplied; and further, man elicits, from
the birds that, which but for their captivity, would
for ever have continued undeveloped. Take the
goldfinch as an example: nature has clothed him in
a gay livery, making him one of the handsomest
amongst his fellows, endowing him likewise with
habits remarkably quiet, and amiable. Unlike the
titmouse, or even the robin, he is neither jealous or
pugnacious ; satisfied with what he is in himself, he
neither seeks aggressive war, or makes a defence, in
the event of an attack, but by- retreat. His natural
song is sweet, but short; whereas under the instruc-
tive care of his owner, he is made a singer, or a
piper, of the first order, and is also rendered expert
in various arts and tricks. Yet the loss of liberty in
this pretty vocalist is attended with a loss of chas-
tity. The smaller birds in their native woods, never
form any connubial connexions with any but those
of their own kind, remaining faithful to each other
under all circumstances. Should death dissolve the
hymeneal bands, either in the male or female, there
seems no difficulty in supplying, by some mysterious
law not to be explained, that deficiency, but always
with one of their own species. In captivity, on the

48

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~~
—

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a -
(NE

~~ “
tee ee ee

EOE.
eat







se

THE GOLDFINCH.

contrary, this law is destroyed. At the appointed
season of love, cage-birds not having liberty of rang-
ing abroad in search of a suitable mate, submit to
another law, scarcely less mysterious than the
former, and take up with the mate which they can
find. This, however, only applies to a few birds. The
progeny of such a union produce whai are called
mule birds, which sometimes possess a capability of
breeding, at other times not. This is another mys-
terious law in animal economy which has never been
explained.

The design of these remarks is to shew that the
natural habits of birds can only be learned from
birds which are at large. The moment captivity
begins, their habits become aitered likewise, or at
least they conform to the circumstances in which
they are placed.

The goldfinch may be thus described; the fore-
head and throat crimson; occiput and neck black ;
fore part of the neck and lower parts of the body
white ; the back, scapulars, aud lateral parts of the j
breast brown; the upper part of the wing feathers }
pure yellow, the other biack, with whitish spots /
towards the end ; tail black, with long white spots; rf

(

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ON

TN TE

bill whitish, the tip black. The length of the bird
is about five-and-a-half inches. ‘The female some-
what less than the male, and the colours less bril-
liant.

This bird is deservedly a great favourite, taking
the lead amongst our native cage birds. In capti- (,
vity goldfinches sing the greater part of the year ;
the moulting times always excepted. Their educa-
tion must be early begun if they are expected to

VOL, 1. H 49.

\



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ON OR re oe

93

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SCRIPTURE NATURAL UISTORY.

excel in song. A nest bird, for this reason is always
to be preferred. By attention their attachment may
be gained, when they become apt scholars both in the
singing-school and the play-ground, learning a variety
of little tricks, such as to draw up small buckets
containing their water and food, to fire a cracker,
and such like. They greatly excel the chaffinch in
strength of memory, so that what is once well
learned, is learned for ever. Birds caught about
Michaelmas generally turn out the best singers.
When the spring has advanced, and the trees dis-
play a verdant appearance, the goldfinch separates
in pairs, each male taking a mate, and quitting the
wild and open country for woods, orchards, and gar-
dens, and on the Continent, for the rows of fruit-
trees that border the road-side. So soon as the
foliage becomes dense enough to conceal the nest,
the task of incubation is commenced ; the nest is
placed in the fork of a branch, and is of the neatest
construction, being composed of lichens, moss, and
dried grasses, lined with hair, wool, and the seed-down
of the willow and thistle; the eggs are four or five
in number, of a bluish-white, spotted with brown.
The geographical range of the goldfinch is con-
siderable, extending from the southern isles of the
Archipelago to Siberia; it is also common in many
parts of France and Germany. It is a constant re-
sident in the British isles, and in Italy it passes the

- summer in the mountains, and the winter in the

plains. In Holland, however, it is a bird of passage.
The goldfinch, in general, seems to give preference
to high lands and mountainous districts during win-
ter; particularly such as are wild and barren, and

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THE CANARY.
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THE CANARY FINCH.

———

afford a plentiful supply of the thistle and plantain,
the seeds of which constitute its principal food.
During the winter it is gregarious, flying together in
small flocks.

The male goldfinch, in captivity, readily pairs
with hen canaries; and their progeny are often
handsome birds, and good singers.

THE CANARY FINCH.
(Fringilla canaria.)

Tuis bird in its wild state is principally found in
the Canary Islands, frequenting damp places; and at
Palma, Fayal, Cape Verd, and Madeira.

Doctor Heineken gives an elaborate description of
the canary-finch as it appears on the Island of Ma-
deira. “It builds,” the Doctor tells us, “in thick
bushy high shrubs and trees, with roots, moss, fea-
thers, and hair; it pairs in February, lays from
four to six pale-blue eggs, and hatchles five or six
times during the season. It is very familiar, haunt-
ing and breeding in gardens about the city. Itisa
delightful songster, with, beyond doubt, much of the
nightingale’s and sky-lark’s, but none of the wood-
lark’s song; although three or four sky-larks in con-
fiuement in Funchal, are the only examples of any
of these three birds in the island, and notwithstand-
ing the general opinion that such notes are the result
of education in the canary: it is in full song about
nine months of the year. 1 have heard one sing on
the wing, and passing from one tree to another at some

51

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SSS EOE
a








SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY. |

distance, and am told that during the pairing season
this is very common. Each flock,’ continues the
Doctor, “has its own song, and from individuals in
the same garden differing considerably, I suspect
that each nest varies more or less. After the breed-
ing season, they flock along with linnets, goldfinches,
&e., and are then seldom seen in gardens. The
moult takes place in August and September. An
old bird caught and put into a cage will sometimes
sing almost immediately, but seldom lives longer
than the second year in confinement. The young
from the nest are difficult to rear, dying generally at
the first moult. They cross readily with the domes-
ticated variety, and the progeny are larger, stronger,
better breeders, and, to my taste, better ‘songsters
also than the latter; but a pure wild song from an
island canary, at liberty, in full throat, and in a part
of the country so distant from the haunts of men,
that it is quite unsophisticated, is unequalled, in its
kind, by any thing I have ever heard in the way of
bird music.”

We give this long extract from Dr. Heineken,
because it seems to correct a mistake into which we
have fallen, that native birds have little or no song ;
still it must be allowed that the canary-finch is no
exception to the general rule, that an education and
training will do much for this bird, both as to its
general appearance, colour, and song. We are free
to admit, that the canary-finch, with all its native
excellence, never has the full development of size,
beauty of plumage, or brilliancy of song, exhibited
by birds in captivity.

Beckstein, who has devoted much atitention to

52 (

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THE CANARY-FINCH.

cage-birds, denies that the canary-finch was intro- (|
duced into Europe so early as the fourteenth cen- |
tury. He believes that it was unknown until the |
beginning of the sixteenth century. “A vessel,” he \
says, “which, in addition to its other merchandize, |
was bringing a number of these birds to Leghorn, was __}\
wrecked on the coast of Italy, opposite the island of i
Elba, where these little birds, having been set at °
) liberty, took refuge. ‘he climate being favourable ))
they increased, and would certainly have become
naturalized, had not the wish to possess them occa-
sioned their being caught in such numbers, that at |
last they were extirpated from their new abode.
From this cause Italy was the first European country
where the canary was reared. At first their educa-
tion was difficult, as the proper manner of treating
them was unknown; and what tended to render ,
them scarce was, that only the male birds were ,
brought over—no females. The grey of its primi-
tive colour, darker on the back, and greener on the }
belly, has undergone so many changes from its being



)
domesticated, from the climate, and from the union )
with birds analagous to it, that now we have canaries /
of various colours. (

We proceed to give our readers a more detailed
account of the varieties of these interesting songsters, {!
and the best manner of breeding and rearing them. (
Canaries then are now principally divisible into the |
following varieties :—the grey, the yellow or jonque, (
the white or mealy, the blackish, and the chestnut ; \
and it is from their combination, and their tints, that
we derive the numerous varieties which we now pos-

sess. We wish our readers specially to notice that as, |}
53
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94






SST

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TS



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SOOO eam +

SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

according to an old proverb, a good horse cannot be
of a bad colour; soisit with canary-birds. The
mere colour has more to do with the fancy of the
owner, than with the excellency of the bird’s song.
Those canaries that have the upper part of the body
of a dusky green or linnet brown, and the under
part the yellowish-green of the green-bird, with dark
brown eyes, are the strongest, and most nearly re-
semble the primitive race. The yellow and white
often have red eyes, and are the most tender. The
chestnut are the most uncommon, and hold a middle
rank for strength and length of life, between the two
extremes. The canary now much admired is one
with the body white or yellow, the head (particularly
if crested), wings, and tail yellowish dun ; the second
in degree is of a golden yellow, with the head,
wings, and tail black, or at least dusky grey. Next
the grey or blackish, with a yellow head and collar ;
and the yellow with a blackish or green tuft, which
are very much valued. The irregularly spotted are
much less sought after.

In modern times, however, excellency of song has
given place to beauty of plumage, and regularity of
feather. The birds most valued by amateurs are,
beyond all doubt, the orange, with black wings, tail,
and legs: they ought also to have black spangles on
the back. For the production of such birds, socie-
ties have been formed in London, and elsewhere, and
prizes given at an annual show. ‘These fancy birds
are usually sold at from three to four guineas a pair.
It is also remarkable that the hen birds are of equal
value with the cocks. Crested or turned crowned
birds are considered irregular, and are consequently

54



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Se eEE—EOEEEOEeEEeEEEEee_EOEEEEeeeeEEO —
— Se ae eee
pp I pe


THE CANARY-FINCH.

less valued. The Belgian canaries are much
larger and stronger than those of England. Their
song also is very superior. These birds are brought
over for sale in the autumn of the year. The Ger-
man canaries are also held in considerable esti- (
mation. (

The male and female canaries greatly resemble (
each other, but generally speaking, the hen bird is
less bright in colour, smaller about the head, shorter
about the neck and body, not so long in the legs,
and of a less elegant form. The usual length of a
canary is about five inches, of which the tail mea-
sures two and a quarter. The bill is strong, sharply
pointed, and inclining to white.

In the opinion of Bechstein the following are the
best directions for the breeding of canaries :—About
the middle of April, either one male, and one or
two females, are placed in a large cage, or many
of the sexes are united in a room or aviary, having (
the advantage of a south-east aspect. Nest-boxes (
or baskets made of turned wood, or osiers, are given
‘them. Slips of the pine tree which are cut in Feb-
ruary may advantageously be placed in the aviary
or cage, since they do not lose their leaves. If |

So

a ne

ae

go

a wire gauze merely can be placed over the win-
dow of the room ‘all the better, the enjoyment
of fresh air greatly contributes to promote the
health of the pretty prisoners, especially to make
the young healthy and robust. Birds which are to
be paired for the first time, should previously be
put together in the same cage for seven or eight
days, to become acquainted and accustomed to live

together. If two females are to be caged with one $f
55
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SSS aaa eee

—


|







SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

male, it is especially necessary that they should be
together long enough to leave off quarrelling, and
the pairing-cage should be divided into two equal
parts, communicating bya sliding door. ‘This being
done, a lively male, and one of the females, should
be placed in the first division; so soon as she has
laid, the male should be moved into the other divi-
sion, the door of separation being shut ; but as soon as
the other has also laid, the door may be left open:
the male will then visit the females alternately, and
they will not trouble themselves about each other ;
but without these precautions, jealousy would incline
them to fight and destroy each other’s eggs. When
it is intended to place a great many females, double
or treble the number of males in a room or aviary,
the latter should always be first paired with a single
female, which will ever after remain the favourite ;
and it will only be when she is about to sit that he
will pair with the others; and this is all the notice
he will take of them, for afterwards he will only
notice their young. It is from these mothers, how-
ever, that the most and the best birds are generally
procured. If the floor of the room or aviary is well
covered with moss, little else need be added for
making the nests, otherwise they should be supplied
with the hair of cows and deer, wool, moss, and the like.
That which is coarsest, serving for the outside, and the
softest and finest for the inside. If they have shrubs,
the canary will, probably, shew her native propen-
sities by building without the baskets, but they dis-
cover no very great architectural skill in the nest,
which is carelessly finished. The females alone are
the builders, the males, perhaps, choosing the situa-
56



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SS ~~ SS
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SS

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Sa




THE CANARY-FINCH.

tion, and bringing the materials. Each female
should be provided with two nest-boxes or baskets,
least she should build, the second time, upon her
young, and thus smother them. Seven or eight days
elapse from the pairing to the laying of the first egg ;
the other eggs, seldom exceeding six, are laid suc-
cessively every following day. The eggs are of a
white greenish cast, with deep red spots and®splashes
at the larger end. If the pairs agree, they must
be left entirely to themselves, without endeavouring
to use art to help nature. It is believed much the
better way not to remove the eggs at all from the
nest, and that better success follows by leaving them
to be hatched in succession. The hen canary will
generally lay four or five times in the year, from
April to September, and some will even continue to
lay during their moult. About the cighth day of
incubation, the eggs may be examined by holding
them between the flame of a candle and the eye;
the good will exhibit well developed blood vessels,
whereas the bad ones will continue clear, or be
already addled—and may be thrown away. It is, in’
our judgment, much the better course to leave the
eggs entirely alone. The cock will sometimes take
his turn in sitting for some hours in the day; but
the hen, not approving of this, generally takes her
hasty meal, returns to the nest, and if the cock does
not immediately retire, she will continue to peck
him till he does. This is especially the case the
nearer the time for hatching approaches. On the
thirteenth day the young usually make their appear-
ance. During the period of incubation all loud noises
or moving of the cage should be scrupulously avoided.
VOL. II. I 57




SS

SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.



Immediately on the young leaving the shell, a
small trough should be placed near the feeding
place. In this may be. put a portion of hard egg,
yolk and white together, chopped very fine, a
portion of crumb of bread or biscuit, which has
been soaked in water, and afterwards well pressed to
get out the moisture, with a little maw-seed. Emb-
den groats may also be placed in the cage. Ex-
treme care must be taken not to let this food become
sour, which would prove destructive to the young
birds.

About the thirteenth day the youngsters will
begin to feed themselves, and when about a month
old they may, if necessary, be removed to other
cages. Should the hen bird begin to peck them pre-
viously to this period, they may be safely removed,
provided such an arrangement be made that the
cock bird can get at them through the wires of his
cage, since he will continue to feed them so long as
occasion may require. In all cases he is the prin-
cipal nurse. After their removal from the parent
birds, they must continue to be supplied with the
soft food above described, together with the food of
full-grown birds, as a sudden privation of the former
might occasion disease, if not death.

‘When the nestlings can eat alone, the male birds
will begin to warble, and may easily be distinguished
from the females. The hen birds will also make a
jabbering noise; but if the passage of the throat is
seen to heave with a pulsive motion, swelling like a
little pair of bellows, we may safely conclude that it
is a male bird. The vigour and majestic carriage of
a bird is another indication of its sex; extending the

58 aie







:




























—~











THE CANARY-FINCH. _

neck and head, as if it would endeayour, like too
many mortals, to be something more than itself.
The general shape of the male is always more dap-
per than the female, especially towards the tail. It
is further noticeable that male birds, be they what-
ever colour they may, will always have a little yellow
almost upon their bills, and under their throats, and
a bright strong yellow stroke over the eyes. The
males thus selected should be placed each in a sepa-
rate cage, which must be first covered with a piece
of linen cloth, and afterwards with a darker curtain.
Apart from every other bird education should now
begin. If it be intended that his natural song should
be superseded by an artificial melody, then it is ab-
solutely necessary that he should not have the
opportunity of hearing his father’s song after the
fourteenth day, otherwise his acquired melody will
be murdered, and he will ever after retain a portion
of his paternal notes, and intermingle them in his
song. His musical lessons must be repeated five or
six times in the day, especially in the morning and
evening, his master performing the desired air either
ona flageolet, or a bird-organ; but if the instru-
ment be not in perfect tune, the whistling of a man
of taste is greatly to be preferred. From two to six
months, according to the memory and abilities of the
scholar, must be spent in this musical education.
Canaries may thus be taught to repeat correctly two
or three airs, or even, it is said, to pronounce dis-
tinctly a few short words. In this training the
scholar, under favourable circumstances, will evince
great quickness and correctness of ear, combined

with excellent strength of memory.
59












SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

Should the owner of the bird prefer the natural
song, which in a bird having such capabilities as the
canary, will probably be the case, then it is only ne-
cessary to continue him a little longer in the hearing
of his natural warbling, and to place him within the
sound of the nightingale, wood-lark, or tit-lark, ac-
cording to the notes which may be desired, and he
will be sure to incorporate his original notes with
those of the bird which he is accustomed to hear.
In Germany it is not at all umcommon to correct the
noisy bursts in which canaries are naturally inclined
to indulge, by teaching them to descend regularly
through all the tones of the octave, until they can
pronounce the same with a smooth silvery tongue.
Canaries will sing in the evening, especially if placed
near a strong light.

The canary-finch must be pronounced rather a
delicate bird, and therefore requires special attention.
The food generally given them is rape and canary
seed, mixed in about one-third of the former, to two-
thirds of the latter. They are also pleased by having
a little green meat, such as plantain, water-cresses,
lettuces, or any short and esculent vegetables. A lump
of sugar may also occasionally be given, and a little
sopped bread. Care should be taken for them to
have a daily supply of good fresh water. They
should also have the opportunity of bathing. The
bath may be affixed to the cage, so that the birds
may have free ingress to it; the water of the bath
being renewed daily. The application of any pow-
der, or ointment to the bird, must be carefully
avoided, since this often proves destructive. The
eage and nest must be carefully examined, least




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THE CANARY-FINCH.

they should have any vermin: frequent ablutions
are the best remedy for this. The birds must be kept
very clean: the bottom of the cage should be care-
fully cleansed by being scraped with a blunt knife,
at least twice every week ; red sand being sprinkled,
from time to time, over the bottom of the cage. In

‘the event of the cage, or any part thereof being

wetted, it is essential that it should be thoroughly
dry before the birds are restored to it.

Nothing is more injurious to birds than bad
smells. Should the room in which they are be
painted, or whitewashed, or even the adjoining room,
the birds must be removed from the effluvia. Ne-
glect in this matter has destroyed many a valuable
bird. Finally they must be protected from extremes
of heat and cold; not be left out at night; ex-
posed to any direct draughts; or be left in a cold room
during the winter months. At the same time, the
room in which they are must not be too warm, since
this will produce a premature, or continual moult,
both of which would prove most injurious. We be-
lieve that attention to these remarks will go far
towards keeping the birds in health, and preventing
those diseases which might otherwise come upon
them.

Canary birds, with proper care, will live for four-
teen or fifteen years.

We will only add in conclusion, that though birds
of different species in a state of nature are never
known to pair, yet, that in confinement some very
pretty hybrids may be produced. They are principally
six :—first, mules, bred from a canary and a gold-
finch ; second, from a canary and a siskin; third,

61

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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

from a canary and a greenbird; fourth, from a
canary and a linnet; fifth, from a canary and a
bulfinch; and sixth, from a canary and a nightin-
gale. In all these six instances the canary should
be the mother. The reason for this is, that other
females but the canary cannot be induced to lay
their eggs in an artificial nest. The progeny of the
first four of these hybrids are known themselves to
be fruitful.

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THE WHIDAH-FINCHES.

TN

Tue widow birds or African buntings, are favourites
) for the cage and the aviary, from their long droop-
| ing tail feathers, which adorn the males during the
) breeding season.
) We notice two species. First, the Vipua Para-
) pisEa, or widow of Paradise.
i The upper part of the plumage of this bird is of a
) deep brownish-black. A broad rich orange-rufous
collar proceeds from the upper part of the back of
the neck, and unites with a tinge of the same colour
on the sides of the neck and breast. The tail fea-
thers are black; the two middle ones often measure a
foot in length, although the size of the bird does
not exceed that of a canary. The bill and feet are
black.

Its habitat is south-western Africa. In the neigh-
bourhood of Senegal it is common.

The second species is the VipuA ERYTHRORHYN-
cus, or red-billed widow.

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THE WHIDAH FINCH.


THE CROSSBILL.
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THE GREEN GROSBEAK.

This variety is also a native of western Africa. In
size it is somewhat less than the last described, and
in other respects is a little different. The bill is
shorter, thicker, and broader. In the elongated
feathers of the tail, two are convex, and two concave,
so that the four feathers form a sort of cylinder;
and but for their extremities appear at first sight as
one. The general colour of .the head and back is a
deep blue-black, with a collar of pure white. The

ears, sides of the head, and all the under parts, are -

also of the same colour. The tail feathers are exter-
nally black, internally white.

The general habits of both species are but little
known. Specimens of them may be seen in the
British Museum.

GREEN-GROSBEAK anp CROSSBILL.

(Loxia chloris.) (Loxia curvirostra.)

Tux green-grosbeak, or green-finch, is one of a large
family, more numerous, and better known than most
others. Some of this species are migratory; the
greenfinch is an exception to this rule, continuing
with us during the whole year, only changing its
quarters according to the season. It is to be found
in every part of Great Britain, throughout Europe,
and in North America. During the winter months
these birds are gregarious, keeping together in small
flocks, and gradually approaching villages and farm-
yards, in search of food and shelter.
63

SEE
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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY. )
)

|

The song of the green-finch is little more than a

chirp; it is notwithstanding often kept in a cage

from its extreme docility and aptitude as a scholar. }

The hybrids of the green-finch and the canary are }

very often pretty in plumage, and under proper in- )

struction, good songsters also.

The nest is usually made of dry grass, lined with

wool or other warm materials, the locality chosen

for it being a hedge or low bush. The usual number
of eggs laid are from five to six, of a pale-greenish
colour, spotted with reddish- brown. The male bird
is said to be unremitting in attention to its mate
during the time of incubation, taking his turn also
in sitting. The female is so close a sitter that she
may be often taken on the nest.

The plumage in general is a yellowish-green; the
top of the head, neck, back, and lesser coverts, olive-
green, the greater coverts ash-coloured ; towards the
tail yellow more prevails; the bill is flesh-coloured ;
the eyes dark.

The CrossBitu can scarcely be called a British
bird, since its visits to Great Britain are rather acci-
dental than regular, sometimes not being seen in
any part of this country for years together. Its
plumage is singularly beautiful, from which, and
from its crooked bill, it has sometimes been called _))

' the German parrot. Itiscommon both in the north

of Europe and America.

( The talented but sceptical Buffon remarks, that
the bill of this bird exhibits an error in its Creator.
Had this author have better acquainted himself with
the habits of this bird, he would not have pronounced )
the peculiar organization of this bird a deformity. })

|




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ooo eee eee eee to bE )N Le TO Oe eee eee
Se ee

Sey Sa see a acne Tea ee

THE CROSSBILL.

“My pets,” says Mr. Townson, speaking of the
crossbill, “would often come to my table whilst I
was writing, and carry off my pencils, little chip-
boxes in which I occasionally kept insects, and other
similar objects, and tear them to pieces in a minute.
Their mode of operation is by first pecking a little
hole ; in this they insert their bill, and then split or
tear the object by the lateral force. When I treated
them, as I often did, with almonds in their shells,
they got at the kernel in the same manner, first
pecking a hole in the shell, and then enlarging it, by
wrenching off pieces by the lateral power.” Another
writer says, “ notwithstanding Buffon’s assertion to
the contrary, they can pick up and eat the smallest
seeds, and shell or husk hemp, and similar seeds.
They are impatient in confinement, and notorious
for their unceasing destruction of the cages in which
they are kept.”

In colour the crossbill is ash, tinged with green ;
cheeks and eyebrows grey, with yellow and white
spots ; yellow towards the tail, the lower parts being
yellowish-green; the bill horn-colour; the length
about six inches.

The nest is chiefly placed in a forked branch of
a lofty pine, and is built of moss, lichens, and
such like, with a lining of feathers. Four or. five
eggs are generally laid. These birds often build
even before the winter is past, in more temperate
climates, as early as January. Bewick remarks, that for
better securing their nests, the crossbills often fasten
it to the tree by employing a resinous matter which
exudes from the pine, applying the same to the out-
side of the nest, and hereby making it water-proof.

VOL. II, K 65



ee

97

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a
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{

—_




ae

\
THE RAVEN,
‘In Hes, Oraiyv.—(Corvus corax.)—In Enc. The Blackne.

““ Who provideth for the RAVEN his food? when his young ones
ery unto God, they wander for lack of meat.” —JoB, xxxviii.
41. He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young
RAVENS which cry.” —PSALM cxlvii., 9.

Tus bird is the largest of the crow family, being
more than two feet in length. The bill is very
strong and thick, measuring about two and-a-half
inches, and covered at the base, and above half its
length, with long hairs. The colour is a glossy blue-
black in the upper Darts, those beneath being of a
dusky hue.

The raven seems to be more widely scattered than
almost any other bird. It is capable of braving
alike the severity of an Arctic winter, and enduring
the scorching rays of a tropical sun; and without
any change being produced in its: plumage by the
extremes of climate.

The raven is found in the old Continent from
Greenland to the Cape of Good Hope, and in the
New from Hudson’s Bay to Mexico. It is also met
with by our circumnavigators in the Sandwich
Islands, and in other parts of the Southern Pacific.

The habits of this bird are every where alike. It
is always in search of the distressed, the dying, and
the. dead. In Lincolnshire and Leicestershire the
raven is ever on the alert in the sheep-walks, so that
no sooner is a poor: sheep cast, that is, fallen on its

’ back and unable to rise, than this marauder ap-
proaches and pecks out its eyes. It frequents
66

SSS

\
— eS EO



——.




THE RAVEN.
Dieta
THE RAVEN,

barren grounds, even in the most severe winter
colds; its movements being directed in a great mea-
sure by those of the herds of rein-deer, musk-oxen,
and bisons, which it follows, ready to assist in de-
vouring such as die, or are killed, by wild beasts or
accident. No sooner has a-hunter slaughtered an
animal than these birds are seen coming from
vafious parts to feast upon the offal; and consider-
able numbers also constantly attend the fishing
stations, where they show equal boldness and vo-
racity.

A propensity for theft seems a part of their nature.
That ravens, when domesticated, should desire to
carry off an attractive substance, as pieces of money,
or the like, may be capable of solution; but that
this should be the case in a secluded spot in its
native wilds, is surprising. Yet a traveller (Mr.
Kendall), tells us, that in crossing the height of
land which divides the waters that flow towards Hud-
son’s Bay, from those which fall into the Arctic sea,
he saw a raven flying off with something in its
claws, pursued by a number of its clamorous com-
panions. The bird being fired at, dropped the ob-
ject of contention, which proved to be the lock of a
chest.

The aptitude of the raven for articulating sounds
distinctly has been noticed in all ages. Many ex-
traordinary instances might be mentioned of this.
There is, or was, until lately, a raven at Chatham,
which was a remarkable proficient. Living in the
vicinity of a guard-house, the bird has, more than
once, turned out the guard, who thought they were
called by the sentinel on duty.

67



SS














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Tl

t





\
SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY. \
}

ae etna at

The raven, moreover, in times of ignorance, was (
considered as ominous; foretelling future events by (|
its horrid croakings, and announcing impending |

i

calamities. Gay has well told the story in his fable
of the farmer’s wife and the raven :—

“That raven on yon left hand oak
(Curse on his ill-betiding croak !)
Bodes me no good.” No more she said, ~
When poor blind Ball, with stumbling tread,
Fell prone, o’erturned the pannier lay,
And her mash’d eggs bestrew’d the way.
She, sprawling in the yellow road,
Rail’d, swore, and curs’d: “Thou croaking toad,
A murrain take thy whoreson throat!
I knew misfortune in thy note.”
“Dame,” quoth the raven, “ spare your oaths,
Unclench your fist, and wipe your clothes. \
But why on me those curses thrown ? |

oe

ee a ae

Goody, the fault was all your own ;

For had you laid this brittle ware

On Dun, the old sure-footed mare,

Though all the ravens of the hundred, |
(
\
(

~~

With croaking had your tongue out-thunder’d,
Sure-footed Dun had kept her legs,
And you, good woman, sav’d your eggs.”

This bird makes its nest early in spring, and |
builds in trees and the holes of rocks, laying five or
six eggs of a pale bluish-green colour, spotted with
brown. The female sits about twenty days, and is
constantly attended by the male, who not only pro- |

[ee

vides her with abundance of food, but relieves her in
“turn, and takes her place in the nest.
The raven is several times mentioned by the sacred
writers. On the decrease of the waters of the flood,
Noah sent out this bold and adventurous bird, from: }

oS

~——~

one of the windows of the ark, which went forth to
68

oe

|
|




ROOK AND CROW.

a


SESE
ro



———_ EEE
LSE
THE ROOK AND THE crow.

and fro, or rather, according to the Hebrew, in going
forth and returning, until the waters were dried up
from off the earth.—Gen. viii. 7. We are also in-
formed that Elijah, the prophet, was, at the divine
command, supplied with food by rayens. Some, how-
ever, tell us, that the orebim spoken of in the sacred
text (1 Kings, xvii. 6), were not ravens, but Ara-
bians. We confess that we greatly dislike such
forced interpretations of Holy Scripture, and would
guard our young readers especially against them.
It is remarkable that Solomon should have recorded
the extraordinary propensity which the raven has for
pecking out the eyes of its prey. “The eye that

)

}

~~
aaa)

a
Sl

mocketh at his father,” says the wise man, “and
despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley
shall peck it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.”
— Prov. xxx., 17.

we

ROOK AND CROW. }

(Corvus frugilegus.) | (Corvus corone.)

Tur rook and the crow greatly resemble each other, /
but are yet never known to unite or live together. {(/
The plumage of the former is much more glossy than
the latter, and is farther distinguished by a rough ((
scabrous skin, which extends from the base of the ((
bill to the eyes. Rooks are gregarious, flying to-
gether in immense flocks morning and evening, from \
their roosting-places, in search of food, which con-
sists of chafers or dor-beetles, and such like, which })
they dig up with their strong bills. It cannot but j
69


\



a

SEES

ooo eee eee





—~—





SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

be confessed that they often commit gréat depreda-
tions on the corn-fields. They return to the same

‘domicile from year to year, which not unfrequently

causes severe contests, should any mnew-comers
chance to occupy their former abodes.

These birds are spread over Europe; and though
stationary with us, yet in France, Silesia, and other
countries they migrate. In France they are the
forerunners of winter, whereas in Siberia they an-
nounce the summer. Their flights are sometimes
so dense as to darken the air, being frequently
joined by troops of crows, jackdaws, and starlings.

Crows are very widely diffused, being common
in most parts of the world. Their food consists of
flesh, worms, insects, and grain. Their love for
carrion has caused them to be designated by that
word: neither do fish, fruits, or even shell-fish es-
cape the notice of these cormorants; of which latter
they contrive to break the shell by dropping them on
a hard surface from a height. Weakly lambs not
unfrequently fall victims to carrion crows; and they
will, like the butcher bird, pursue birds on the
wing for food. The crow may be taught to articu-
late several words: it has, besides, the same propen-
sity for hoarding up provisions, and glittering
trinkets as the raven.

This bird must not be confounded with the
hooded, or Royston crow, which is migratory; not
appearing in this country till the beginning of
winter with the woodcocks, and on their first coming
frequent the shores of rivers. They depart in the

spring to breed in other countries of higher lati- —

tude.
70

ee ee ee




THE MAGPIE.


THE JACKDAW.
TT

aS OEE EO
nae

I



‘

MAGPIE AND JACKDAW.

(Corvus pica.) (Corvus monedula.)

THE magpie is a pretty, active, and familiar bird.
It readily becomes domesticated, and soon develops
those propensities so common to this species of
birds, stealing and hiding things which it may
chance to meet with; it also articulates words with

‘ considerable distinctness. The bill is long, with

cutting edges, and its base covered with short fea-
thers. The tail is very long and graduated. The
length of the bird is about eighteen inches.

In appetite this bird is omnivorous, taking alike
animal or vegetable food. The nest is often a
curiosity, being very firmly built on the summit of
the tallest trees, and well fortified with black thorn
twigs. The eggs are generally six or seven in num-
ber, of a yellowish-white, with brown spots. During
the time it has young, the magpie is rather a
dangerous neighbour to the poultry yard, since it
will boldly attack and carry off both chickens and
ducklings.

- These birds are no less plentiful in America than

in Europe. It is singular, however, that though |

common on the shores of Sweden, and other mari-
time parts of the Old World, it is very rare on the
Atlantic shores of America, or near Hudson’s Bay.
The manners of the American magpie are, in all
respects, similar to the European bird.

The Jackpaw is rather irger than the magpie,
but less than the rook and crow. Its colour is a-
violet black.

71





SE
SS

SE

SS ee FN a
—~ 2 — SSS EES SE




SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

This bird feeds chiefly on worms, the larve of
insects, and fruit, but especially cherries. It is
much more fond of the habitations of man than the
magpie, often building its nest in the towers of
ehurehes, or in rpined buildings, always preferring
the upper parts. The quantity of materials brought
by these birds is often’ much more than is necessary
for building their nests, and which in belfries, and
other such places, aceumulates to a very consider-
able quantity. Jackdaws are completely grega-
rious.

‘Like magpies these birds may easily be tamed ;
but under the best tuition, they remain mischievous
and tricky.



BLUE JAY AND STARLING.
(Garrulus glandarius.) (Sturnus vulgaris.)

Tux body of the jay is a reddish ash-colour; the |

head white, with black streaks; the wing coyerts
marked with blue and black bars; its bill and tail

black ; iris blue; the dogs. dark brown 5 Jength about °

thirteen inches.

The jay is considered one of the most elegant
birds indigenous to Great Britain. It inhabits
wooded districts, living chiefly upon fruits. In con-

sequence it becomes a sad enemy to the gardener,

devouring all kinds of fruit, and committing great
hhavoc upon the crops of peas, when in bearing.
Smaller birds are not always safe from its attacks.
It builds its basket-like nest in trees or hedges,
72 :

—




THE JAY.


THE STARLING.
{{ _ VOL, II. L



THE STARLING,

laying five or six eggs, of a dull whitish olive, mot-
tled with pale brown.

Even in a wild state the jay is the very prince of
British mimics, imitating the sounds with which it
happens to be most familiar, as the bleating of a lamb,
the mewing of a cat, the cry of a hawk or buzzard,
the hooting of an owl, the neighing of a horse, and
such like sounds, with great accuracy. These imita-
tions, Colonel Montague observes, are so exact, that
he has been often deceived by them in the woods.
But under careful instruction the imitations of this
bird are perfectly wonderful. ‘“ We have heard one,”
says Bewick, in his History of British Birds, “ imi-
tate the sound made by the action of a saw so
exactly, that though it was on a Sunday, we could
hardly be persuaded that the person who kept it had
not a carpenter at work in the house. Another, at
the approach of cattle, had learned to hound a cur
dog upon them, by whistling and calling upon him
by his name: at last, during a severe frost, the dog
was, by that means, excited to attack a cow in calf,
when the poor animal fell on the ice, and was much
hurt : the bird was complained of as a nuisance, and
its owner was obliged to destroy it.”

The Staruine is of a shining brassy black, spotted
with little triangular spots of reddish-white; the
lower coverts of the tail are bordered with white;
the bill yellow; the legs brown; the length about
eight inches.

These birds inhabit the old Continent, from Nor-
way to very southern latitudes. Their general food
consists of insects and their larve, snails, earth-worms,
grain, seeds, and berries. In the Orkney islands





99







menial |




SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

they are as common as sparrows elsewhere; flocks of

.them are to be seen perching on every wall and

chimney top. In flight they are not undulatory, but
smooth and even ; they walk very nearly in the man-

ner of a wagtail; but when they assemble in flocks

their movements are noisy and tumultuous, des-
cribing, according to Buffon, a sort of vortex, com-
bined with an advancing progress. They chatter
much in the evening and morning, both when they
assemble, and when they disperse. On the approach
of birds of prey they rally in close array, and usually
succeed in driving off the marauders.

The female makes an artless nest, in the hollow
of old trees or walls, sometimes in cliffs overhanging
the sea: she lays four or five eggs, of a pale greenish
ash-colour.

Starlings are often domesticated, from their re-
markable imitative talent: they are easily taught to
whistle simple airs, to articulate certain sounds, and
to repeat words.



BULFINCH AND NEST.
(Loxia vulgaris.)

Tue bulfinch, though somewhat clumsily built, must
be pronounced a very handsome and choice bird.
Its head, throat, wings, and tail are velvet-black,
tinged with velvet purple; the nape of the neck and
back bluish-grey ; the cheeks, neck, breast, belly,
and flanks, claret-red; the rump and lower parts
white; the great wing-coverts are tipped and mar-
74,






PA 5 A
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THE BULLFINCH.


———

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BULFINCH AND NEST. a
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pa

gined with pinkish white, forming a transverse bar
across the wing; the bill and legs are dark brown ;
the length about six inches.

This prince of pipers is by no means uncommon,
being very widely scattered. Cold and temperate
climates seem best to suit it, though it is found almost
throughout Europe, and in America, Northern
Asia is likewise its cradle; but in Africa it is rarely
to be met with, and never in New Holland.

The food of this bird, during the winter months
at least, consists principally of pine and fir seeds,
corn, and all sorts of berries. During the spring and
early part of the summer, they feed upon those buds
of trees which are pregnant with the leaves and

| flowers, especially of the apple, pear, peach, and
other garden trees. Such trees are often so pro-
fusely stripped by these feathered rogues, that the
crop is completely destroyed.

The architectural skill of the bulfinch is consider-

( able, making a very neat nest. It sometimes builds
) in low thick bushes ; ; but most commonly on the flat
branch of a spruce pine or silver fir. In the latter
case the architect lays a foundation of birch twigs,
placed crossways in the forks of the branches, paying
much attention to the security of the fabric. When
the bird selects a spruce pine, finding that the flat
branch itself is an excelient foundation, it uses a
much smaller number of sticks. Having reared a
ground-work to its mind, a quantity of flexible fibrous.
roots are collected, which the builder intertwines
into a sort of basket-work, rather loose, and only just
sufficient to hold the eggs and young from rollmg
down. The inside is wholly lined with fine roots,
75







ie




—_

—~——

See

SS

SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY,

usually without any hair or feathers. The eggs are
generally four or five, ot a bluish-white, speckled
with pale orange. The young are generally hatched
in May or June.

But the chief value of the bulfinch consists in its
high capabilities as a songster, or rather, as a piper ;
some of them being able to whistle distinctly three
different tunes, without spoiling or confusing them
in the least. There is doubtless a great difference in
the natural capabilities of these birds; one learning
with ease and quickness, another with slowness and
difficulty. Yet it is remarkable that those birds
which learn with most difficulty, remember the
songs, when once learnt better and longer, indeed
rarely forgetting them. The attachment which bul-
finches form for persons, is also most remarkable.
Of this many well-attested facts might be given,
Hundreds of bulfinches are yearly taught, and ex-
ported to foreign countries, by the German bird-
sellers, their value varying from one to several
pounds sterling. The male bulfinch will, in confine-
ment pair with the hen-canary ; but this is attained
with some difficulty.



BIRDS OF PARADISE.

ALTHOUGH specimens of these birds are now com-
mon, yet is their history still but very imperfectly
known. They were formerly procured chiefly from
the Chinese, who, to enhance their value, always sold
them to Europeans in a mutilated state, pretending



~~









BIRDS OF PARADISE.


oT OS TS OTT

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THE BIRDS OF PARADISE.

that they were of heavenly origin, lived upon some
kind of nectar, and were without feet. These idle
tales have in modern times been corrected by matter
of fact. Travellers have of late years, often seen
them alive in their native woods; and have intro-
duced them amongst us in an unmutilated state.
They form a large family, are of singular form, and
many of them arrayed in plumage of transcendent
brilliancy. Of this our readers will find ample

- proof in the numerous beautifully preserved speci-

mens in the British Museum. Their habitat is New
Guinea, and the Moluccas.

The characteristic marks of this family are as
follow :—the bill of medium size, straight but com-
pressed; the nostrils entirely concealed by the
feathers; the legs short but strong; the tarsus, or
thumb-like toe, longer than the middle toe; the
back toe longer than the others; the sixth or seventh
feather of the wing the longest. The largest of
these birds, called by Linnzus apoda, from its sup-
posed want of feet, is about two feet long; the
smallest denominated regia, from five to seven
inches,

These birds, it is believed, live in troops, and are
not monogamous, a male bird being found with about
fifteen. females, which form his seraglio. They are
seen on the tops of the highest trees, and make a
loud and shrill cry, in a kind of musical gradation,
he, hi, ho, haw, repeated rapidly and frequently.
M. Lesson tells us, that when in the island of New
Guinea, and in the woods for the purpose of shoot-
ing, a bird of paradise flew gracefully, and in an
undulatory manner, by him; the feathers of its sides

77









100




SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

forming an elegant and aérial plume, which, he

thought, without exaggeration, bore no remote re-
semblance to a brilliant meteor. Such was the sur-
prise, and high gratification of the traveller, that his
eyes alone devoured this splendid bird, since he
forgot that his gun was in his hand, until the bird
had flown far away.

Travellers have remarked that the plumage of
these birds is never out of order, or has the least
soil upon it. Indeed it seems the business of their
lives to give attention to the toilet. They wash
twice every day, even in confinement, and comb and
plume every feather separately with their bills.
And as if fearful that their gay apparel should be-
come bleached by the heat of a tropical sun, they take
care to conceal themselves under the luxuriant foli-
age with which they are surrounded, during the
hotter parts of the day, so that they are never seen
but in the early part of the morning. They are
sometimes to be met with at Macao, where they are
kept in cages.

The birds of Paradise in the Moluccas are called
manucodewatas, which signifies, the birds of God.

Of this splendid family our artist has selected
three as illustrations, and of which we proceed to

ive a brief notice.

(1.) The Gruar Emeraxp, or Paradisea apoda.
This bird has been the most often seen in a state of
nature, and is perhaps the most elegant of the whole
family. Still description is completely set at de-
fiance by the vivid and changing tints of this magni-
ficent inhabitant of the forest. The general plum-
age is cinnamon colour; the throat golden green ;

78




GREAT EMERALD BIRD OF PARADISE.

=. ie ee <<. ae aa










long, floating, and of a rich silky yellow colour;
the two intermediate tail-feathers being long and
setaceous.

‘“‘One of the best opportunities,” says Mr. Ben-
nett, ‘‘of seeing this splendid bird in all its beauty
is early i in the morning when he makes its toilet.
The beautiful sub-alar plumage is then thrown out,
and cleaned from any spot that may sully its purity ;
the wings are extended to the utmost, and kept in a
flatting “motion, at the same time raising up the
delicate long feathers over the back, which are
spread in a chaste and elegant manner, floating like
films in the ambient air.’

(2.) The Rep Brrp or Panrapisz, or Paradisea
rubra, is also cinnamon-coloured in its plumage; the
occiput and back citron-yellow; the front golden-
green, with long floating red side-feathers, and two
broad naked shafts: the body is nine inches long,
but to the tip of the flowing feathers, thirteen.

(3.) The Roya Brrp or Paranisg, or Paradisea
regia, has its plumes chestnut, with a golden pecto-
ral band; the two middle tail feathers filiform, with,
lunated feathered tips.

This splendid denizen of the woods is the smallest
of the tribe, not exceeding the size of a lark, usually
measuring rather more than five inches in length,
without reckoning the two middle tail feathers,
which are almost six inches long, in the form of
naked shafts, divaricating as they extend, and each
terminating in a moderately broad gold green web,
rising from one side only of the shaft, and disposed

into a flat spiral, of nearly two convolutions.
79
|

Sooo

THE BIRDS OF PARADISE. ag
the head citron-yellow; the side feathers extremely










CLASS II.—AVES, OR BIRDS. ] [ORDER TI.—PASSERES.

DIVISION IV.—TENUIROSTRES, OR SOFT-BILLED.

THE NUTHATCH AND HOOPOE.
(Sitta Europea.) (Upupa epops.)

Tne Nuthatch, though widely scattered throughout
Europe, is a British bird, remaining permanently
with us. The bill of this bird is straight and cylin-
drical; its nostrils partly concealed by reflected
bristles; the tongue short and horny; it has three
toes before, and one behind, which is very long, with
a long hooked claw; the tail is composed of twelve
feathers.

The plumage of the nuthatch is lead-colour ahove,
and brown beneath; a black streak appears across
the eyes; the lateral tail feathers are black, but
whitish towards the tips; the breast and belly buff
orange. The bird in length is about five and-a-half
inches.

These birds are expert climbers, and from the
make of their feet differ from the wood-peckers in
being able to ascend or descend the trunks of trees
with equal facility. Their food chiefly consists of
insects and their larve. Sometimes they feed on
nuts and seeds: in breaking the shell of the former
they shew considerable dexterity, placing the nut in
a chink of the tree, and then striking it with their
bill, until it breaks, when they readily procure the
contents. .


















ing the woods, making a rude nest in the holes of
80



———_S



The nuthatch is a shy and solitary bird frequent-

——~)),


THE NUTHATCH.

)


THE HOOPOE.





DN ae



==

THE HOOPOE.

the woodpeckers. The female is a good sitter,
though from timidity, she is easily driven from her
nest, and when disturbed hisses at her enemy, like ,
a snake.

The Hooroz or Uprupa Erors. ‘This singular
and beautiful bird can hardly be denominated Bri-
tish, since it visits Great Britain only very occasion- {
ally, and then only for a short time in the autumn of
the year. It has usually been arranged among a
species of foreign birds called promerops; but the }
correctness of this connexion is, at least, very doubt- |
ful. The hoopoe, remarks Baron La Fresnaye, from
the shortness of its fore toes, the almost straight |

(

trees, often in those which have been deserted by

SS
SOF

aa

form of the claws, and particularly from the claw of

the hind-toe, has evident affinities with the larks,
and other conirostral ground birds.

The bill of the hoopoe is very long, and slightly
arched ; the nostrils are surrounded with feathers in
front; it has three toes before, the exterior united

VOL. I. M 1



hind; the tail square, consisting of ten feathers.
The head is adorned with two rows of reddish fea-
thers, terminated with black, forming an arched
tuft, which the bird has the power of elevating or
depressing at pleasure; the body of an iron-brown
colour; the wings black, with fine white bands ;
the tail black, with a lunated white band. Its
length about a foot.
This bird is rare in England, but common in :

with the middle one to the first joint, and one be-

the south of France, where they arrive late in the
spring, and depart towards the close of summer. In
the neighbourhood of Bourdeaux, and on the banks

6 OO eee

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—_~ EES eS ESE
ene eee ee







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101




a a op LS



See

SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

of the Garonne, are large tracts of marshy ground,
where poplars and willows are planted, and among
which insects very much abound. Such localities
are favourite retreats of the hoopoes: they may fre-
quently be seen examining the rotten and hollow
parts of the trees for insects, where also they make
their inartificial nests, consisting chiefly of dried
grass. The number of eggs laid range in number
from four to seven, and are of a pale lavender grey.
The young are generally hatched towards the end
of May. ‘These birds are very much on the ground,
their power of flight being inconsiderable.

Two young hoopoes, Beckstein tells us, taken
from the top of an oak, were, with much care and
attention reared. They soon became very familiar
with their owner, climbing upon his person, perch-
ing on his shoulders, and even on his head. This
attention was particularly manifested when a small
pan with milk was produced, and with which they
were fed. Cream was with them a favourite dish,
which they would greedily swallow. They were
also partial to beetles and may-bugs, first killing
them, and then tossing them up in the air and catch-
ing them: they would, however, never touch an
earth-worm. They became so tame that their owner
was accustomed to take them into the fields, for the
purpose of catching insects for themselves. In these
excursions their great dread of birds of prey became
very apparent. In such cases the hoopoes would
crouch down upon the ground, covering themselves
as much as possible with their wings, yet carefully
watching the object of their alarm. No sooner had
the bird which frightened them disappeared, than

82







So
SO

ll oo

VS eee eee eee ee eee eee

————— EEE TE
SOOO el OOOO


CREEPERS AND NEST.


EE EE

they would immediately jump up, uttering the cry

t
THE CREEPER AND NEST. |
of “vec, vec, vec,” indicative of their joy. When

“ hoop, hoop.”

Hoopoes are widely spread throughout Europe,
and in Northern Africa. Varieties of this species -
are likewise to be found in Asia, central Africa, and
India.



usual note of the male bird was little more than

THE CREEPER AND NEST.

excited they became somewhat clamorous; but the
(Certhia familiaris.)

Specimen which we have selected be the only one
known in Great Britain, where also it remains during
the whole year. In some countries it is believed to
be migratory.

The bill is about half-an-inch long, slender, and
curved ; the head and neck streaked with black and
yellow-brown, with a white line over each eye; the
back, wings, and tail a tawny brown, and a yellowish-
white bar across the wing; the breast and belly
silvery white; length about five inches.

The creeper is a most restless and active bird,
ever on the move, climbing up and about the
branches of trees in search of insects. From its ex-
treme activity it is seldom seen, and hence but little
known. It has a monotonous note or chirp, which
it is ever repeating.

ee ee
TS

Or this species there are several varieties, though the

. 83

a aN aa a

Toe eee eee eS
—_— Sl




—~—__
> ee
ST



——_ -——_~ —~ —.
a







SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

Our print will show the manner in which its sim- |
ple nest is constructed, formed chiefly of dried grass
and feathers, and placed in the hole of a decayed |
tree. The female is regularly fed by the male bird |
while sitting on her eggs, amounting in number to
six or eight.

This bird is extensively scattered throughout Eu- |
rope. It may be ranked also amongst the birds of )
the northern States of America.

HUMMING BIRDS.

THERE is as much truth as “poetry in the exclama-
tion of the Psalmist— When I consider thy hea-
vens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the |
stars, which thou hast ordained ;—What is man?
—Thou hast put all things under his feet :—the
fowl of the air !?—Psalm viti., 3—8. While we ad-
mire the vastness and order of the Creator’s works
in the starry firmament, we are not less surprised at
the wondrous display of his power in the formation
of the more minute parts of his works. The mar-
vellous variety of forms, colours, and tints, in that
numerous but immaculate class of creatures called
humming birds, excite alike our wonder and de-
light. The pen of the writer, and the pencil of
the artist, are alike set at defiance, in the amazing
brilliancy of colour in these beautiful, but minute
tenants of the woods. The birds themselves, after
death, present but a faint portraiture of what they
were when alive; ever on the wing, fluttering from
B4

ad



——$
SS






HUMMING BIRDS.
EEO
— SS

ae

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HUMMING BIRDS.

flower to flower, and from shrub to shrub; while,
beneath the glare of a tropical sun, their magnifi-
cently splendid plumage is ever varying its tints,
presenting in turns to the eye of the wondering be-
holder, the sparkling whiteness of the diamond, the
burnished gold-colour of the topaz, the lustrous
green of the emerald, the gorgeous azure of the
sapphire, the rosy red of the amethyst, the transpa-
rent violet of the jacinth, and the combined splendour
of the chalcedony.

The beauty of these birds can only be rightly ap-
preciated when they are seen alive. ‘ Those,” ob-
serves Mr. Bullock, ‘‘ who have seen these birds
whilst living, displaying their moving crests, throats
and tails, like the peacock in the sun, can never look
with pleasure on their mutilated forms. I have,”
continues Mr. Bullock, “carefully preserved about
two hundred specimens, in the best possible man-
ner, yet they are still but the shadow of what they
were in life. The reason is obvious; for the sides
of the lamine or fibres of each feather, being
of a different colour from the surface, will change
when seen in a front or oblique direction; and as
each laminz or fibre turns upon the axis of the
quill, the least motion, when living, causes the fea-
thers to change suddenly to the most opposite
hues.” The females are generally without the splen-
dour of the males; and it is not till the third year
that the young males’ shine out in the full radiance
of their nuptial dress.

The number of species of the humming bird is

still unknown. Mr. G. Loddiges, in 1842, posses-_

sed, it was said, one hundred and ninety-six species,



a na eo
eee






SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY. |
(

But the splendid case of humming birds belonging
to our friend Mr. Leadbeater, and lately to be seen }
in the northern transept of the Great Exhibition, }
surpasses even this. The number of species in this }
collection exceeds two hundred, and are of trans- |
cendent brilliancy. Here, almost every conceivable {
form of bill may be noticed; some curved, others
recurved ; some very long, or straight, others sharp,
or very short; every variety, likewise, of singular |
appendages may also be observed ; frills, ruffs, crests, (
varied tails diversified in shape; others with fea- |
thered boots. This magnificent case of birds is
valued at a thousand guineas; and may, unless }
already disposed of, be seen at Mr. Leadbeater’s \
house, 19, Brewer-street, Golden-square. Mr. ;
Gould’s collection in the Kegent’s Park Gardens is, )
we believe, still more extensive, amounting to nearly, (
or quite, three hundred species. These, we trust,
at the commencement of another season, will be
free to public inspection; when we are sure they
will excite that attention which they so well de-
serve. : \
The anatomy of the humming bird is peculiar; }
an examination of the skeleton will explain the }
cause of the rapid and varied motion of this bird. }
The deep keel of the breast-bone, the power of the |
bones of the wing, the lengthened scapula, or shoul-
der-bone, and the large pectoral muscles, all de- |
monstrate an organization of the locomotive system, |
especially adapted to the development of the highest
powers of flight. The long tongue of the humming
bird is also remarkable.

Humming birds were certainly but little known,

SSS SSS S000 8S eo <> ——— ae
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SEES Eee eee eS eee

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HUMMING BIRDS.
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~~



HUMMING BIRDS.

if not quite unknown to the ancients. Soon after
the discovery of the New World by the Spaniards, it
was noticed that the radiant mantles worn by the
natives in Montezuma’s time, arose from the feathers
of these diminutive birds. These birds abound in
the warmer regions; and are dispersed over every
part of America and its islands, and in almost every
climate: for during the summer months they are
found in Hudson’s Bay and Canada. Captain
Cook brought many fine specimens from Nootka
Sound. One, the smallest species, less than some of
the bees, is found in Jamaica, where Mr. Bullock
observed one of them which had taken his station
in a tamarind tree, and from which he furiously
drove away every intruder, though more than ten
times his own size.

Some diversity of opinion exists as to whether the
humming birds are birds of song. In general they
certainly are not; yet it is quite possible that among
so large a family, some may possess the power of
song, though in a subordinate degree. The hum-
ming which they make in flying, does not proceed
from their voice, but is occasioned by the very quick
vibratory motion of their wings.

From #he length of the tongue in these birds it
became commonly believed that they live chiefly on
the honey or nectar obtained from flowers. This may
be part of their food at particular seasons of the year;
but from an examination of the stomachs of many of
them after death, it is certain that they also feed
upon the smaller beetles and flies. Travellers have
noticed some of the smaller species busy in robbing,
with considerable caution, the web of a spider, for
87



Si

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— —— = ee ee ——EOeEEe—EOEEEEEEOeESEeee et

\.
——_



SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

any small insect which might chance to have be-
come entangled therein.

The nests of these lovely pigmies are no less
curious and wonderful than themselves. They
greatly vary, both in form and structure; but
the tiny architects being aware of the small quan-
tity of animal heat in themselves, seek the softest
and most delicate materials for the construction
of their nests. Cotton, thistle down, and fine fibre,
are the principal articles employed. In Tobago,
and other- parts, the humming birds perform a mi-
gration, arriving about February, and leaving to-
wards the beginning of August. The nests are usu-
ally of the basket form; but some construct sus-
pensory nests, sometimes fastened at the end of a
single twig, while others make them more secure by
fastening them in more than one place. Some of
the basket-nest builders have been noticed to make
their nests higher, as the young increase in size.
The period of incubation seems to vary from twelve
or thirteen days, to twenty-one. During this sea-
son the birds become perfect furies if the neigh-
bourhood of their domain be encroached upon. Their
flight under excitement is swift as an arrow, accom-
panied with shrill piercing shrieks. They attack
the eyes of the larger birds with their sharp needle-
like bills, and which, in truth, are formidable wea-
pons in this kind of warfare. When intruded upon
by one of their own species, a severe conflict be-
comes certain. With swollen throats, up-lifted

‘crests, expanded wings and tail, the fight is continued,

until one of the combatants falls exhausted on the
ground. Such pugnacious audacity possibly led the
88








HUMMING BIRDS
~~

eo Oe eee EEE
OS

—_—

HUMMING BIRDS,

Mexicans to a belief that the diminutive bodies of
these winged furies contained the souls of slain
warriors. ;

It has been remarked that some species of hum-
ming birds, like bats, frequently in sleeping, sus-
pend themselves by the feet, with their heads
downwards.

Our artist has selected six specimens as illustra-
tions, which we now proceed briefly to describe.

1. The Trocuitus cornutus, or Hornep Hum-
MING-BIRD. The bill and feet of this remarkable
bird are very weak, and of a dark colour; two flat-
tened fan-shaped crests, each of six feathers proceed
from the forehead on a level with the eyes. The
brilliancy of these crests surpasses all description,
varying the hues of polished gold to red, then
to blue, next to green, and again to the brightest
yellow. The feathers of the forehead, sparkle with
metallic green, changing to deep blue. The lower
part of the belly is white; but the middie of the
abdomen and the flanks are like the back, golden-
green, mingled with grey towards the base of the
feathers. The back and sides of the head, the
rump, and the back, are metallic golden-green. The
tail consists of ten feathers, of which four are longer
than the rest, and are graduated and white, excepting
the two middle, which are brown. The wings, though
long, reach only to the half of the tail. The female
bird has no crest, and her livery is less brilliant. The
length of the bird a little more than four inches.

2. The TrocHiLvus rEcuRVinostRis, or REcuRVED-
BILL HumMine-BirD, known also as the Ornismya
Avocetta., The general colour of this.bird is golden-

VOL, Il. N 89

~——









—
2 gpg

108

}

y

———
———.

SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.
green; the throat a shining.emerald-green; the
f



middle of the breast and body black; the lateral tail
feathers short, but topazine beneath. But the dis-. /
tinguishing characteristic of this family is the re-
curved-bill, which is believed to be without parallel
in any other land bird yet discovered. It is a native
of Peru.

8. The Ornismya Gounpi1, or GouLp’s Hum-
MING-BIRD. Mr. Loddiges, already referred to, was
we believe the first person who possessed this sin-
gularly curious bird. It is found in Guiana, Brazil,
and Trinidad. This gorgeously arrayed native of
the woods possesses some marks in common with.
the large family of which it is a member, such as
its short legs and long bill, alike of a dark colour ;
yet in other respects it is distinguished by a livery
peculiarly its own. It has a pointed and erect tuft
on the top of the head of a deep chesnut colour; the
back is golden-green; a white stripe traverses the
rump; the tail is of inordinate length, fanned and
rounded, the two middle feathers of which are
golden-green; the side feathers black; the wings
are purple-brown ; the front of the neck and upper
part of the abdomen of a varied lustrous emerald-
green, the still lower parts brownish-green ; feathers
disposed in a fan shape proceed from each side of
the throat, the longest on the outside, and the
shortest the most internal: these are all pure white,
excepting at the end of each, which is encircled by
deep green, with gold and emerald hues in the
centre, somewhat resembling the tail of the peacock.

4. The Trocuitus Moscuitus, or RUBY CRESTED
Hummine-sirp, has small feathers about the bill

90

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NE OT TE TE

ee ge
ooo aoe

TTT Teer st


THE KINGFISHER.


THE COMMON BEE-EATER,
~~

{

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TN

THE BEE-EATER AND KINGFISHER.

and head, which in one point of view appear to be
light ruby, and in another purple. The plumage
above is black, with green reflections. It is found in
Cayenne and Brazil. :

5. The Trocuitus AmMrtuystinus, or AMETHYS?:
Hummine-sirp, is another singular variety, having
the throat and front of the neck of a brilliant ame-
thyst colour, changing according to the light in
which it is seen, into a purpled-brown. Its habitat
is Cayenne.

6. The last variety which we notice is the Tro-
CHILUS CYANEUS OY BLUE-GREEN HuvuMMING-BIRD,
which, like all its compeers, is singular in form, and
resplendent in colour.

CLASS I1.—AVES, OR BIRDS.] [ORDER II.—PASSERES.

THE BEE-EATER AND KINGFISHER. —

Tue family of birds now to be described is dis-
tinguished by the name of syndactyle, because their
toes are joined ; the outward toe to the second joint
of the middle toe, and the inner toe to the first joint.
In other respects birds arranged in this division very
much differ among each other.

The Common Buz-xzater, or Merops apiaster, has

a sharp-edged pointed bill, the nostrils much con-

cealed by hairs, and directed forward. The forehead

is greenish-white; the neck and back chestnut; the
91

A er
SS









EE
EEE EET












SCRIPTURE NATURAL HiSTORY,.

body generally reddish-yellow; the middle part of
the wing deep red; the wing and tail feathers olive-
green; the throat golden-yellow; the two middle
tail feathers being elongated. It must be pronounced
a very handsome bird.

This bird is but an occasional visitor to Great
Britain, and then only in the fall of the year. It is
common throughout the warmer regions of Europe
and Asia. The bee-eater is also found in Australia,
but not in America.

These birds are gregarious, catching their prey
when on the wing, after the manner of swallows, and
which consists chiefly of bees, of which they destroy
an immense number. In countries where they are
common, they are often caught by a thread baited at
the end with a flying insect secured by a small pin,
the other end of the thread being kept in the hand.
The poor bird catches at the insect, and with it
swallows the pin, wherewith it is caught.

They make their nests in holes upon the banks of
rivers.

The Kinertsuer (Alcedo ispida), with its varieties,
is dispersed throughout the whole world, although
but one species is found in Europe. The whole
family is remarkable rather for brilliancy of colour,
than elegance of shape. ‘Their flight is strong and
rapid. Most of them frequent the banks of rivers,
and are expert fishers.

The European species, so well known in England,
is the alcyone of the ancients, which the poets feigned
as occupying a floating nest, and calming adverse

- winds and stormy seas. That entertaining liar, Ovid,
tells the tale that, Alcyone having lost her husband
“92



—




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ae Ns <=



THE KINGFISHER,

a
(
Ceyx, in a storm at sea, and going to the beach to
lament her loss, at a distance she descried her hus-
band’s corpse ; attempting to throw herself headlong
into the sea, she was changed into a bird :—
“Then flick’ring to his pallid lips, she strove
| To print a kiss, the last essay of love, (
* * * * * * *
The gods their shapes to winter birds translate,
But both obnoxious to their former fate.
Their conjugal affection still is tried,
And still the mournful race is multiplied : :
- * s Alcyone compress'd,
Seven days sits brooding on her floating nest.”
(Gartn’s Ovid’s Metamorphoses, book xi.)
(
)
j
{
f
}
)
)
\
(
{
)

The length of the kingfisher is about seven inches,
the bill being two inches, and strong and straight.
The upper mandible is black, fading into a reddish-
orange, which is also the colour of the lower one. A
broad stripe passes from the bill over the eye, to the
hinder part of the neck, of a bright orange colour,
margined with black; the throat is white; the head
and wing-coverts of a brilliant green, spotted with
light blue; the middle of the back and tail a re-
splendent blue; the under parts generally of a bright
orange; the legs and toés being red.

j Its food consists entirely of fish, on which it darts

| with unerring certainty, often remaining for several

) seconds under water, while it is gaining the object of
its pursuit. On bringing up the fish it carries it to
the land, beats it to death, and swallows it. The
evolutions of the bird are quick as lightning, and in
its short flight it passes on like a flaming meteor.

( The artless nest is made in a hole by the water’s

{ edge, the entrance to it being often under water.

(

93

eae 1
NNR LL

104
=

|



—

SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

This, perhaps, exposes the young to much danger,
not merely from floods, but the attacks of water-

-yats and other vermin. ‘The eggs of the king- |
fisher are of a clear white, and usually six in num-
ber. Excepting in the breeding season, these birds

are always seen alone. They are extremely shy,
living in marshy and unfrequented places; yet, ina
village near London, we recollect seeing a very fine
male kingfisher brought into the room by a cat,
which she had only just captured, the poor bird
being still warm. Kingfishers are, we believe, no-
where very numerous.

















THE HORNBILLS.

Tuxse birds, from the peculiar form of their feet, have’
been arranged with the birds just described, though,
in other respects, they are so peculiar that they
might seem to require a distinct place for themselves.
They are widely scattered in the Old World, being
found in Africa, India, and the Indian Archipelago.

The Rutnoczeros Hornsitz, or Buceros Rhi-
noceros,is about the size of a turkey-hen, but more
slender. The bill is nearly a foot long, and furnished
at the base of the upper mandible with an extremely
large process, continued for a considerable space in a
parallel direction with the bill, and then turned
upwards in a contrary direction, like an inverted
horn. Though such an organization may seem for-
midable, yet the bird is said to be quiet and unoffend-
ing. Its plumage is black, and the tail tipped with

94



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HORNBILLS


THE GREEN WOODPECKER,


COMMON AND EGYPTIAN CUCKOOS.


NIGHTINGALE AND REDSTART.
oS

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Le

THE REDSTART.

(Motacilla pheenicurus.)

Tais is one of our prettiest warblers, arriving
amongst us in April, and leaving about October.
Tts bill and eyes are black; its forehead, white;
its cheeks, throat, fore-part, and sides of the neck
are black, which colour extends over each eye;
the crown of the head, the hinder part of the neck,
and the back, are of a deep blue-grey; the breast,
rump, sides, and tail, are a fine red; the bill is
white; and the feet and-claws black: the female
loses much of that brightness of colour which dis-
tinguishes the male.

Its haunts are old walls and ruinous edifices, where
it makes its mossy nest, lined with hair and feathers.
It is known by a peculiar quick shake of the tail
from side to side, when it alights. Though a shy
bird, it is often to be seen in the midst of a populous
town, but always choosing difficult and inaccessible
places for its residence.

The female lays four or five eggs, not unlike those

of the hedge-sparrow. The peculiar manner in:

which birds choose their mates is not easy to deter-
mine. But in the event of death, by disease or
accident, the survivor, whether male or female, ap-
pears to find no difficulty in procuring another
partner. A widowed male bird, having a nest with
eggs, has been. noticed going out in the morning
in search of a mate, and returning with another

- female in the afternoon, and who proceeded forth-

‘with, to the duty of incubation.
3



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WREN AND NEST






THE WREN AND NEST.

(Motacilla troglodytes.)

Tuis is one of the smallest, and most interesting, of
our warblers, being the only species of a very
numerous family, that permanently abides amongst
us. Living almost under our roof, and craving its
winter’s supply from the cottager’s table, no hand is
uplifted against it during the summer months,
excepting that of the unbirched truant, or the lawless
caitiff.

The upper parts of this bird are reddish-brown,
marked with narrow transverse stripes; the quill-
feathers are varied with alternate spots of black and
brown; the tail coverts and feathers striped with
black ; the throat and breast a greyish-white. The
length scarcely four inches; the female rather less
than the male, and the colours somewhat less
bright.

. The wren is seldom seen on the wing, or known to
fly over a hedge, but creeps about the hedges, enter-
ing at the lower part, and working its way upwards.
Like the robin, its pretty simple notes may be heard
amidst the snow of mid-winter; though frost and
snow are sometimes too much for it, and the little
creature, though tolerably hardy, perishes in con-
sequence. To avoid this, it often seeks a retreat
in warm cattle-sheds, and other sheltered places.

The nest of this songster is usually made on,
or near the ground, with hay, moss, wool, or other
materials, according to circumstances. It is rather
an ambitious architect, making a very large domicile,

Il

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THE WREN AND NEST.

as comparea with the size of the bird. The nest
is usually of an oval shape, the top being in the
form of a dome, and the entrance by a small hole at
the side. The female will lay seven, ten, or even
more, eggs, which are white, with a few reddish
spots. Ten days suffice for hatching the brood:
sixteen young ones have been found in one nest ; a
large family for such diminutive parents torear. Per-
severing industry, however, does much; and since
the male bird, during the period of incubation, has
plentifully supplied his mate with food, it is but
to increase his assiduity, especially when assisted by
the maternal energy of the hen-bird, to keep the
youngsters well supplied with insects and worms,
their accustomed food.

According to ancient fables, the wren was the an-
tagonist of the mighty eagle, the attendant bird
of Jupiter. There is, however, reason to know that
kitty-wren, as this bird in some localities is called,
moves in too humble a sphere to attract the notice
of the bird of heaven; so that though the wren
is ever ready to show fight to an intruding compeer,
its ambition does not ever extend to a desire of
entering the ring with the imperial eagle.

Although this bird is the only one of the wrens
which permanently resides amongst us, yet are
there others of this numerous, and widely-scattered
family, as the willow-wren, the golden-crested
wren, and others, which become our occasional
visitors.

The flower seen in connexion with the wren’s nest
is the rose of Sharon (Crsrus rosgvs), which is men-
tioned in the book of Canticles, chap. ii, 1. These

12



_—~
Sw

|
|
(

Se
Ol lS a NS ae!


WAGTAIL AND BLACKCAP.








_—



THE BLACK-CAP WARBLER.

flowers, though single, are very beautiful, being red,
red and yellow, and red and white; the three colours
not unfrequently being seen on the same tree. They
are natives of the east, and are much employed for
festal chaplets. In the apocryphal book of Wisdom,
sensualists are represented as saying, “Let us fill
ourselves with costly wine and ointments, and let no
flower of the spring pass by us; let us crown our-
selves with rose-buds before they are withered.”
Chap. ii. 7, 8.

THE BLACK-CAP WARBLER.
(Sylvia atricapilla.)

Tue orbits of the eyes of this warbler are covered
with feathers; the head of a deep black in the male,
in the female reddish; the upper parts of the body
ash-coloured; belly and throat whitish; bill and
legs black. Length about five-and-a-half inches.

’ This splendid songster, often called the mock-
nightingale, visits us about the middle of April,
retiring in September. Its singing is light and easy,
consisting of a succession of modulations, which
are sweet; flexible, and compact. It is ever in mo-
tion, which makes its song somewhat desultory; but
when the bird sits calmly, and engages in song with
earnestness, it pours forth a melody consisting of
very sweet notes, with gentle modulations. It by
common consent gives place to none of our warblers,
the nightingale only excepted. Its throat is won-
derfully distended during its warblings.

13


meee eee EE :
_ NES



SS eee eS
pe ee (



\

f
} Being a lover of fruit, gardens are its more fre-
quent places of resort, where also, near to the ground,
‘ it commonly makes its nest, composed of dried grass,
{ or moss, and lined with softer materials. The eggs
{( are usually five in number, of a pale reddish-brown,
{ sprinkled with darker spots. The male takes his
\ turn in the work of incubation, although the brunt
) of the work falls, pretty much, upon the female.
\‘ The male, however, is always near at hand, and
) occasionally treats his mate with a fly, a worm,
) or other tit-bits.

i
|
\

THE PIED WAGTAIL.
(Motacilla alba.)

( SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.
()
(
{

Tue wagtails, or washers, are chiefly confined to the )

continent of Europe, where they are everywhere to be

found in considerable numbers, excepting in very high |
latitudes. With us these birds are not migratory,
although on the approach of winter, they change
their quarters from north to south.

The pied wagtail, known by every child living
in the country, as the water-wagtail, or “dishwasher,
from their brisk and lively motions, jerking their
long tails incessantly up and down, living on the
edge of shallow pools and puddles. They never hop,
but run nimbly along the ground in search of their \
prey ; flies, and other insects. They may often be
seen following the ploughman in order to pick up '
the smaller worms, which may chance to be turned ;
up by the plough. They are likewise constant

14

ee ee

a SS

poe ee erry



Soe


-.WHITE-THROAT AND WHEAT-EAR.
re







ae



THE WHITE-THROAT.

attendants upon flocks, to catch the numerous flies
which are perpetually annoying sheep.

This bird is about seven inches in length; its
bill black; the eyes hazel; the hinder part of the
head and neck black; the forehead, cheeks, and
sides of the neck, white; the remaining colours
black and white; the legs are black. The female
slightly differs from the male, having the head
brown.

Their nest is built on the ground, without much
art; the female usually laying five eggs, which are
white, spotted with brown. The parent birds are
most devoted to their young. On the approach of
danger they will endeavour to draw aside the enemy
by various little arts; or in cases of actual attack,
will defend their brood with unshaken courage. It
is even said, that in the event of their finding pieces
of paper, or other objects, which by possibility may
have been placed there to mark the nest, that such
substances will be carefully and promptly removed.

THE WHITE-THROAT.
(Motacilla sylva.)

Tue white-throat, or muggy, is a pretty bird, but an
inferior singer. Arriving in this country in the
spring, it mingles its cha, cha, cha with other
songsters; and thus, though humbly, contributes to
the harmony of the grove.

This bird may always be distinguished by its white

' appearance. Its billis brown; the eyes hazel; the —
15

( SOR eee
OE ee)

ss

|

}
}

Lan ee ore
Se




a eS FAAS
SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

head, back, and tail of a reddish-ash colour 3 its
breast and belly silvery white, even more so in the
female than the male. Its length from five to five-
and-a-half inches.

It makes its nest in thick bushes with fine dried
grass, thinly lined with hair; the female laying five
eggs, of a greenish-white, sprinkled with dark olive

and wild berries.

In the autumn of the year, having reared their
young, they retire from us, spending the winter
months elsewhere.



THE WHEAT-EAR.
(Motacilla cenanthe.)

Tus is a very handsome, and elegantly-shaped
bird, the size of that just described, but no songster.

It is merely a visitor with us, arriving from about
the middle of March, until the same time in May: |
it leaves in August, or September.

Its bill is black; eyes hazel; from the base of the
bill a black streak is extended over the eyes, and
cheeks, where it becomes much broader; above this ,
is white, but the top of the head, part of the
neck and the back, are bluish-grey; the rump and
part of the tail are snowy white; the under-parts are

a pale buff, with a tinge of red on the breast; the

legs and feet black. In the female the colours

are less fully developed.
16

\
spots.
The food of these birds consists chiefly of insects




OEE Oe




WOODLARK AND FIELDLARK


SEE

THE FIELD-LARK.

The wheat-ear, or white-rump, as it is often called,
builds a neat nest under shelter of a tuft of grass or
clod, often in newly ploughed lands. The nest is
composed chiefly of moss, mixed with wool, and
lined with feathers; as a farther defence, it is
protected by a sort of covert. The eggs are five
or six in number, of a light blue colour.

It feeds on insects and small worms, often follow-
ing close to the tail of the plough in search of
the latter.

-....Great numbers of these birds are, during the sea-
“son, sent to the London markets, being much esteem-
ed, and thought but little inferior to the ortolan.

Their habitat is extensive, being spread over
nearly the whole surface of the old world.

THE FIELD-LARK.
(Alauda trivialis.)

We now come to the last family of the bill-toothed
birds which we can notice; the field-lark being justly
ranked among the choicest of our warblers.

The bill is slender and dusky; the upper parts of
the body of a greenish-brown; the under-parts yel-
lowish-white, speckled on the breast and neck; the
legs pale brown; the hinder claw is shorter and
more crooked than in the skylark, which is plainly
indicative of its kind.

The field-lark builds its nest on the ground,
in solitary spots, or conceals it beneath a turf; the
female lays about five eggs of a brownish colour.

VOL. II. D 17



—
Te





Peer

85


OE

~~.

~~

OOOO Ol ee
ooo Oe

ooo

—~--— —— oo eee EO
Se ee

a a a Ne Sa et pHE
> OT



SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

Its song is full, clear, and melodious, often accom-
panied with considerable motion, the bird widely
opening its mouth and quavering with its wings.
In the winter the voice degenerates into a mere cry,
resembling that of a grasshopper, though stronger
and shriller; hence it is known as the pipit, or
chirping lark.

THE WOOD LARK.
(Alauda arborea.)

Tuis bird is somewhat larger than that just de-
scribed, the colour of its plumage being the same.

Its nest is constructed on the ground, but without
much architectural skill, and of coarse materials,
Five eggs are more generally laid, of a dusky hue,
marked with brown spots.

For brilliancy of tones, the singing of this bird
ranks very high. Perched on a tree it makes.the
woods resound with its loud and clear warblings. It
rivals the nightingale for its nocturnal serenading,
and may well be mistaken for that prince of song.
It will often sing, like the skylark, when on the wing.

These birds, in common with other larks, are
decidedly unsocial during the summer months, their
nests rarely being found near to each other. They
are not quarrelsome and pugnacious, like the red-
breasts, yet they prefer a secluded spot. No sooner

is the breeding season fully over than they flock ’

together in incredible numbers, and are caught for
the table, being then fat.
18



eee



|
i Sow

W

SS



THE WOODCOCK.


THE SWALLOW & SWIFT.
OOOO

ao

OLASS I1.—AVES, OR BIRDS. } [ORDER IJ.—PASSERES.
DIVISION II.—FISSIROSTRES, OR CLEFT-BILLED BIRDS.

THE SWIFT.
(Hirundo apus.)

Tue cleft-billed birds present no very great variety,
being confined chiefly to the swallows and the goat-
suckers. Of these birds generally it may be said
that their bills are very short, much depressed, and
very wide at the base, the upper mandible curved at
the point, legs short, with slender toes and claws ;
three toes before, one behind, nearly of the same
length; wings long, the first quill the longest; tail
of ten or twelve feathers, mostly forked.

The swallow-tribe manifest a predilection to the
neighbourhood of water, and those situations in
which insects most abound. These they seize with
great promptitude in their long-sustained and very
rapid flight. They catch their food, drink, and
bathe as they glide.smoothly and nimbly along the
surface of the water. Their motions are easy, swift,
and graceful; and when not in their nest or asleep,
are almost incessantly on the wing. Their nests,
for the most part, are hard and rough on the outside,
but soft within. Their migrations are no longer a
matter of doubt. ft

The swift is the largest of the swallow family,
being about eight inches long. Its bill is black;
the eyes hazel ; its general colour a sooty-black witk
a greenish shade; the legs are dark brown and very
short; the toes are arranged two and two together,
which is a conformation peculiar to this bird. The

19

20




SES > ——_——
\ ee nS





SCRIPTURE NATURAL HisTORY,

female differs but little from the male, though some-
what smaller.

These birds are singularly inoffensive, harmless,
and social, attaching themselves to our houses or

a

|
| their immediate vicinity. Their note is rather
whistling than singing, and that always on the
than any of their tribe, rearing their brood by
about June. They are believed to remove to very
great distances, having been seen at the Cape of
Good Hope, and the more remote regions of Asia.
Few birds are so rapid in flight, the wings being very
strong, and more than twice the length, from tip to
| tip, of their entire body. They are seldom to be
seen during the heat of the day; but im the even-
\ ing they flit along with great rapidity, and always
) im company. It is also remarkable, that they
rarely alight on the ground; but if by any accident
they do so, there appears great difficulty in recover-
lofty stceples, or high towers; under the arches of a
bridge is also a favourite locality, which though not
high is very difficult of access. The nest is made of
soft materials, never of earth or clay. The female
lays five white eggs.
Early in July the swifts begin to assemble in
great numbers; they soar higher in the air than
usual, and their cries become shriller. These meet-
ings continue to increase with augmented numbers,
until towards the middle of August, when, without
pilot or compass, they all disappear.
20

(
wing.
ing themselves.

— SSS

They commonly arrive earlier, and leave sooner
}
Their nests are usually built in elevated places,
;
/
|

a
a a a a Te

eee



oe
ee ee el



ee




ee eS

THE MARTIN, orn WINDOW SWALLOW
AND NEST

In Hes. Deror.—(Hirundo urbica..)—In Ene. The Free-one.

“ Yea, the sparrow hath found « house, and the SWALLOW a
nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine
altars, O Lord of hosts, my king, and my God.” —PsaLM
lxxxiv., 3.

Doctor T. M. Harris, in his Natural History of the
Bible, following the Septuagint, the Vulgate, Bo-
chart, and Leclere, gives it as his opinion, that the
word in the above text, translated swallow, rather
refers to the turtle-dove, or some kind of pigeon ;

but, for ourselves, we prefer the rendering of our
authorised version of the Bible, supported as it is by
Montanus, Pagninus, the French version of Geneva,
and Stock. But without troubling our readers with
any critical remarks, we think it much more natural
that a bird like the swallow should be intended, since
it always seeks the neighbourhood of man’s residence
for building its nest, than to any species of the wild
pigeon, which never has any such propensity. The
word deror itself, involving the idea of liberty, or
freedom, cannot ‘with any propriety be referred to
any bird like the dove or tame pigeon, already in a
state of captivity. We conclude then, that some
branch of the swallow family, known in Palestine,
must be the bird mentioned in the above-quoted
passage of Scripture.

The head, neck, and top of the back of the win-
dow-swallow are black, with violet reflections; the
wings, tail, and larger coverts black; the tail forked;

2]





86



I a
Ce a










SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

the lower parts and rump white; the ¢arsus and tocs
covered with downy feathers. The length of this
bird is about five inches.

The first appearance of these pretty and familiar
visitors is about the middle of April, and they re-
main with us longer than any others of their tribe,
often not leaving till towards the beginning of No-
vember. They return, from year to year, to the
same spot, a fact which has been repeatedly ascer-
tained by a coloured thread having been secured
around their legs, or some other distinguishing mark.

One long quotation from the entertaining work of
White, of Selborne, will comprise all that we need
farther say. “ A few house-martins,” says this writer,
“begin to appear about the 16th of April, usually
some few days later than the swallow. For some
time after their arrival they pay no attention to the
business of nidification, but play and sport about,
either to recruit from the fatigue of their journey,
or that their blood may recover its true tone and
texture, after it has been benumbed by the severities
of winter. About the middle of May, if the weather
be fine, the martin begins to think in earnest of
providing a mansion for its family. The crust or
shell of the nest seems to be formed of such dirt or
loam as comes most readily to hand, and is tempered
and wrought together with little bits of broken
straws, to render it tough and tenacious. As this
bird often builds against a perpendicular wall, with-
out any protecting ledge under, it requires its ut-
most efforts to get the first foundation firmly fixed,
so that it may safely carry the superstructure. On
this occasion. the bird not only clings with its claws,

22

To

eee eee eee ee ~~ Se
NC

lll eee ee eee ES
SS

:




me ee ~~ ~~ = tr;
me aaa SE



THE MARTIN, OR WINDOW-SWALLOW AND NEST.

tail against the wall, making that a fulcrum; and
thus steadied, it works and plasters the materials into
the face of the brick or stone. But then that this
work may not, while it is soft and green, pull itself
down by its own weight, the provident architects
have prudence and forbearance enough not to ad-
vance the work too fast, but by building only in the
morning, and dedicating the rest of the day to
food and amusement, give it sufficient time to dry
and harden. About half-an-inch seems to be a sut-
ficient layer fora day. Thus careful workmen, when
they build mud-walls (informed at first, perhaps, by
this little bird), raise but a moderate layer at a time,
and then desist, lest the work should become top-
heavy, and so be ruined by its own weight. By this
method, in about ten or twelve days is formed an
hemispheric nest, with a small aperture towards the
top, strong, compact, and warm, and perfectly fitted
for all the purposes for which it was intended. These
industrious artificers are at their labours, in the
long days, before four in the morning; when they
fix their materials they plaster them on with their
chins, moving their heads with a quick vibratory
motion. It has been observed that martins usually
build to a north-east or north-west aspect, that the
heat of the sun may not crack and destroy their
nests; but instances are also remembered where
they bred for many years in a hot stifled inn-yard
against a wall facing the south. Birds, in general,
are wise in their choice of situation; but in this
neighbourhood is seen a strong proof to the con-
trary, at a house without eaves in an exposed dis-
28

t.
a eset sae gertn eee age ogee ee —
TT NS eee eee :

aaa Se

es

SS

EERE EERE RE EES

(
| but partly supports itself by strongly inclining its

eS eee Eee

ay

Ne
Ne


oo





—



i
\
}
j
\
(
f

}
| SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY,
)
/

} trict, where some martins build, year by year, in the

' corners of the windows. But, as the corners of these
windows (which face the south-east and south-west),
are too shallow, the nests are washed down every
hard rain, and yet these birds drudge on to no pur-
pose from summer to summer, without changing
their aspect or house. It is a piteous sight to sce
them labouring when half their nest is washed away,
and bringing dirt—

Se Re EEL:

SSS SS OO aaa

—“* Generis lapsi sarcire ruinas.’

Thus is instinct a wonderfully unequal faculty; in
some: instances so much above reason, in other re-
spects so far below it.”

Our engraving represents part of the front of a
cottage on Herne-hill, the property of Elhanan Bick-
nell, Esq., as it appeared on the morning of the 21st
of May, 1833. Sketched on the spot.

THE ESCULENT SWALLOW AND NEST.

(Hirundo esculenta.)

Tuts singular variety of the swallow family is much
smaller than the martin just described. It is a ches-
nut-brown colour above, and whitish beneath. The
end of the tail is also white.

The esculent swallow is found on the coast of
China, in Java, and in the Indian Archipelago, and
is chiefly distinguished for the formation of nests,
which are edible, and, indeed, highly prized by Chi-
nese and other epicures. There are, doubtless, sev-





———

)
|
}
|



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as

OOOO eee ee ee EEE


ESCULENT SWALLOW AND NEST.


THE GOAT-SUCKER.


—— eee eS ee eee

See OOS E>_&xnooro==«—on—ro”0272”{”>2>»>—="2.\Y”*”"— eet

a



|

Sle ele ee ees ee
6 SS Sas



THE NIGHT-JaR, OR GOAT-SUCKER.

eral kinds of this vird, but that which is most highly
esteemed is a small species, little more than half the
size of our common window swallow. They are gre-
garious, living chiefly in caverns by the sea-side, or,
at least, at no great distance from the sea. These
nests are, it is believed, chiefly formed of a peculiar
scum, being probably the spawn of some fish, which,
at a particular season of the year, is found in eastern
seas, and in considerable quantities. This, mingled
with a saliva which is emitted by a certain glandular
organization within the bird, constitutes the singular
substance of which the nests are formed. The
whiter, or more valuable nests, are taken before they
become soiled, either by the work of incubation, or
the dirt of a young brood. The best sort is worth
£5 18s. 14d. the pound; the whole quantity sent
from Batavia amounting annually to 242,400 lbs.,
worth £284,290 sterling. This large amount is the
exclusive property of the sovereign, and everywhere
forms a valuable branch of his income.

A number of these nests, of various qualities, may
now (1851) be seen in the Great Exhibition, Hyde
Park, under the head Indian Archipelago; also in
( the British Museum.

THE NIGHT-JAR, on GOAT-SUCKER.

(Caprimulgus Europeus.)

Tur Nienr-ssRs constitute the second, and only
remaining class of cleft-billed birds. They are but
VOL. II. E

ON ee

87



aA

—~

a eS a Op gE GN

OO eee

OI

OR ee

ee

a a
I ,
SSS ne eee

eee eo nWmBpW) EL Lw EEE EE _EE;_ >I LT SE EE RLL—~—e

OOo









SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

visitors with us, coming late in the spring, and
retiring late in the autumn. These birds have re-
ceived the name of goat-suckers from a tradition, that
they are in the practice of sucking goats, to which
has been farther added, that the teat which they
suck produces a disease in the animal which ter-
minates in blindness. This tradition may be placed
in the category of old-wives’ fables, together with
that alleged against cats, of sucking the breath of
infant children. Both are alike false and absurd.

The night-jar is a little more than ten inches
long; its bill being small, flat, and somewhat hooked
at the tip, the gape being very large; it is also fur-
nished on each of the upper mandibles with several
strong bristles, whereby it secures its prey; the eyes
are large, full, and black; the plumage beautifully
freckled and powdered with brown of various hues,
mixed with singularly diversified markings of rufous
and white. The legs are short, rough, and feeble, and
are occasionally used in securing its prey, which
it more usually takes when on the wing: they are
also feathered below the knee.

These birds, in many respects, resemble the owls,
never appearing until the dusk of the evening in
search of their prey. While on the wing they make
a singular buzzing noise, often compared to the
noise caused by the quick rotation of a spinning-
wheel. When at rest, perched on a tree, they make
a continued jarring noise, which has given rise to
the name by which they are distinguished. They
feed chiefly on insects and nocturnal moths; cock-
chafers, or dor-beetles, are likewise destroyed in
great numbers by these birds of night.

26

en ee

~~ ee

ES ete )
LO

aes



a



THE AUSTRALIAN GOAT-SUCKER.

The more frequent retreats of the night-jars are
moors and wild heathy tracks abounding with fern.
They make no nests, the female depositing her eggs
on the ground, usually two or three in number; they
are of a dull colour, spotted with white.

They never, by any chance, congregate together,
being so solitary that even two are seldom seen
close to each other, but sitting at a little distance
apart.

Night-jars are to be found in every part of the old
continent, from Siberia to Greece, Africa, and India.

Varieties of the same family are widely scattered

over North America and Ausiralia.

THE AUSTRALIAN GOAT-SUCKER.
(Podargus humeralis.)

Tis variety is much more handsome than its com-
peer of Europe just described. The bill is large and
strong, the upper mandible not furnished with bris-
tles. The colour, on the whole, greatly resembling
the European family, being variegated above with

ashy-brown and dirty yellow; the head and sides of ;

the back are striped with black; the forehead and
dorsal plumage dotted and banded with white ; it is
spotted beneath with black and dull yellow. The
entire length of the bird about 28 inches.

Of their particular habits but little is known; yet
it is believed that they do not essentially differ from
those of Europe.

Their habitat is Australia.

27

— SO

SE
0 NT I TI

Bon Re SR Te ee ET
ON ee
~'

Oe a a oO OT

—~

STS





ae

So

|
|
|
|



Lg RN sr
a

CLASS II.—AVES, OR BIRDS. | LORDEK II.—PASSERES.
DIVISION III.—CONIROSTRES, OR CONIC-BILLED.

THE SKY-LARK AND NEST.

(Alauda arvensis.)

Tue third division of passerine birds is distinguished
by short conical bills, with the mandibles of equal
length, the upper one slightly convex; the nostrils
lateral, and partly concealed by reflected feathers ;
claw of the tarsus or hind toe very long, and nearly
straight ; coronal feathers long, and capable of erec-
tion, especially in male birds. This entire genus all
inhabit open field or plains.

The upper parts of the sky-lark are reddish-grey,
each feather blackish in the middle; a whitish band
is above the eyes; the throat white; neck, breast,
and flanks tinted with a reddish hue; the tail brown,
the outer feather white. The length about six inches.

The lark is one of our choicest songsters, begin-
ning to sing very early in the spring, being heard
chiefly in the morning. It rises in the air almost
perpendicularly, and by successive springs hovering
at a vast height; its descent, on the contrary, is in
an oblique direction, unless it is threatened by birds
of prey, or attracted by its mate, and on these occa-
sions it drops like a stone. It never sings (excepting
in captivity) but when on the wing, and then chiefly
in rising. Its notes are loud and clear.

These birds make their nests on the ground, lining
them with dried grass and roots, but without much
architectural skill. The female lays four or five eggs,
of a greyish-brown colour, marked with darker spots,

~~ Tt
Saeed ara SS,

-_—~—_~ —~_~

Ee
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eee ne

a Ne

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SKYLARKS AND NEST,


ov

GREAT AND BLUE TITMOUSE.




|
|

=

GREAT TITMOUSE.

she gencrally has two broods in a year, and sits
about fifteen days. The care of the parent birds
seems to increase the moment their young have left
the shell, fluttering over their heads, directing all
their motions, and ever ready to screen them from
every danger.

Skylarks are widely diffused throughout Europe.
They are everywhere extremly prolific, and the pro-
digious numbers which are frequently caught are
truly astonishing. The neighbourhood of Dunstable
is famous for the great number of these birds found
there; four thousand dozen have been caught in this
locality between September and February for the
London markets. No sooner is the work of incuba-
tion finished than they become gregarious, being
constantly on the ground feeding, and in immense
flocks. During the winter months they are always
fat.

Soo

ee EEE.
oe

GREAT TITMOUSE.—BLUE TITMOUSE.

(Parus major.) (Parus ceruleus.)

Ir other countries can boast of the magnificent
plumage of their birds, it may be said, that Great
Britain is by no means wanting either in the number
or variety of its song-birds. At the earliest ap-
proach of spring our woods and groves lose their
silence, the numerous warblers making these retreats
to resound with their melody. The large but com-
paratively diminutive family of the titmice, are all,
almost without an exception, singers; although the
ane

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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

strain of some of them is but short. The whole
family is characterised by a short, straight, strong,
conical, and compressed bill, with small hairs at its
base; the nostrils rounded, but much concealed by
projecting feathers; the legs are stout; the toes
divided to their origin, but the hinder one the
strongest and most bent.

Small in size, they are notwithstanding very active,
being constantly in motion; their courage is so
great, that they almost vie with the butcher-birds
for their pugnacious propensities. They feed prin-
cipally upon insects; but not unfrequently attack
young and sickly birds also. They are the avowed
enemies of the owl, which they pursue with great
fury. None of the titmice are migratory; but are
widely scattered over every part of the old continent,
and throughout the vast continent of America, and
in the West Indies.

The plumage of the great titmouse, or ox-eye,
is olive-green above, yellowish beneath; the head is
black; the temples white; the top of the neck yel-
lowish ; the wing coverts greyish-blue, tipped with
white; the tail greenish-grey. In length about five
and-a-half inches.

This bird pairs early, beginning to build in Fe-
bruary, or the beginning of March. The nest
is constructed of the softest materials possible, which
are generally deposited in the hole of a tree. The
eggs laid are often as many as ten or twelve. The
young birds do not remain longer than about a fort-
night in the nest; and having once left it never
return thither again.

The great titmouse is by no means a shy bird,

30

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THE HORNBILLS.

white; the casque red above; the feet and claws
rey.

: hey progress by hopping, not by walking; and
notwithstanding the largeness of their feet, they
usually perch during the night. Their food consists
chiefly of wild fruits, but some of this family, if not
all, have a great liking for animal food, and when in
confinement seem to prefer a dead mouse to almost
any food which can be offered them.

The Boat-t1xz Horneiui, or Buceros Covatus,
differs but little from the bird already described.
The prevailing colours are black and white, with a
dirty straw colour on the neck; the bill dull yellow,
inclining to red at the tip; the feet are black.

Of the general habits of the whole family little is
known.

CLASS II.—AVES, OR BIRDS.] [ORDER III.—SCANSORES, OR
CLIMBING BIRDS.

THE GREEN WOODPECKER AND COM-
MON CUCKOO.

Tux scansorial, or climbing birds are united by very
slight affinities, though their feet are all zygodae-
tylic, or yoke-toed, the outer toe being readily re-
versible, so that the foot presents two toes to the
front, and two to the rear, both nearly of equal
power. The extremes of this peculiar organization
( may be noticed in the woodpeckers and parrots,
which though both belonging to the climbing family,
yet climb very differently. The woodpecker is a
95
FSS






——











nN RR

SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

bark bird, creeping up the tree with great {’acility by
its double crab feet, which adhere to the bole of the
tree with considerable firmness, employing also the
stiff feathers of the tail as a prop; acting upon the
same principle as a painter’s scaffold, of every day
use in the streets, for cleaning or repairing windows
high above the ground. The parrots, on the contrary,
subsisting chiefly upon fruits, climb about among the
smaller branches of the tree, in quest of their food.
Woodpeckers form an extensive family, the dif-
ferent species being numerous, and widely scattered
over the colder, and more temperate parts of Europe,
Asia, Africa, and America; although no woodpeckers
have been found in Australia, or the South Sea Is-
lands. Five or six varieties are known in England
and Scotland of which the green-woodpecker is thie
largest, being about fifteen inches in length: the
smallest (picus minor,) is little more than five inches

The green-woodpecker, although somewhat clum-
sily built and short-winged, is, notwithstanding, a
handsomely coloured bird. Its bill is long, curved,
and strong, being well adapted for catching insects
in, or under, the bark of trees, or upon the ground.
The tongue is also very long and horny, which the
bird thrusts into ants’ nests, and hereby securing both
the ants and their eggs. A circle of red surrounds
the eye, with an outer circle of white; the top of
the head, and hinder part of the neck, are a bright
crimson; the back and wing coverts are olive-green ;
the rump is yellow; the quill feathers and tail are
black and white barred; the legs are greenish.

The eggs of this bird, usually five or six in num-

96

|
|




THE ROLLER,
THE CUCKOO.

ber, and of a greenish colour, are deposited in the
hole of a rotten tree, almost without a nest. The
young ones climb up and down the tree before they
are able to take to the wing. Woodpeckers roost very
early ; but during the long days, the tapping which
they make on the bark of trees, at an early hour of
the morning, may be heard at a very long distance.

The Cuckoo, or cucuLus canorvs. ber of species of this bird may be found in tropical
climates, warmth seeming to be essential to their
preservation, their skins being remarkably thin.
The bill of the common cuckoo is wide atthe
base, but suddenly contracts, and is black but
yellowish towards the base; the wings are long,
reaching nearly to two-thirds the length of the
tail; the feet are remarkably short; the head and
upper part of the bird are of a dark ash-colour; the
throat, under side of the neck, and breast, pale dun ;
the lower part of the breast and belly white.

Their food consists of fruits and insects, chiefly
of those. which are very soft.

Cuckoos arrive in this country early in the spring ;
and by the beginning of July, they have, for the
most part, taken their departure. The most singular
trait in these birds, is their habit of depositing their
egg or eggs in the nest of other birds, such as the
hedge-sparrow, the tit-lark, and others. ‘The female
bird, generally speaking, lays but one egg in a nest,

and the young intruder, when hatched, has the extra-.

ordinary propensity of getting rid of the legitimate
offspring of the owner of the nest by throwing them
out of it Mr. Blackwall says, “I had taken much
pains towards investigating the several phenomena

VOL. II. 0 97









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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

|

| I had noticed in this bird, and was so fortunate as

to have ocular proof of the fact, related by Dr. Jen-
ner, of a young cuckoo turning out of a hedge-spar-
row’s nest, a young swallow I had put in for the pur-
pose of experiment. I first saw the young cuckoo,
when only a few days old, in the hedge sparrow’s
nest, in a garden close to a cottage, the owner

of which assured me that the hedge-sparrow had

\ four eggs when the cuckoo dropped in a fifth; that

‘ on the morning the young cuckoo was hatched, two

young hedge-sparrows were also excluded; and that

| on his return from his work in the evening, nothing _ ))
was left in the nest but the cuckoo. When five or)

! six days old I took the young cuckoo to my house, )

( when I frequently saw it throw out the young swal-

low for four or five days after. This singular action

was performed by insinuating itself under the swal-

low, and with its rump forcing it out of the nest

with a sort of jerk. Sometimes, indeed, it failed

after much struggling, by reason of the strength of

the swallow, which was nearly full feathered ; but,

after a small respite from the seeming fatigue, it

renewed its efforts, and seemed continually restless

till it had succeeded. At the end of the fifth day,





}
}
)
| this disposition ceased; and it suffered the swallow
to remain in the nest unmolested.”
Another observer, mentioned by Bewick in his (
( history of birds, states, that when the cuckoo chances
} to lay two eggs in the same nest, a struggle always
‘( ensues between the two young cuckoos so soon as
{{ they are hatched, which ends in one of them being
\) thrown out of the nest. It is further remarkable,
‘\ that a cavity in the back of the youngster assists in
( : 98
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THE GREEN TROGON.
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THE TROGON.

this work of expulsion ; but which, after a few days,
insensibly disappears. So wonderful are some of the
laws of nature !

Strange as such a propensity may appear, it seems
essentially necessary for the well-being of the in-
truder that the nest should be so eleared, otherwise
it would be impossible for the foster-parents to sup-
ply the cravings of the gigantic nestling. So difficult
is this task, that other birds of the same species have
been known to render aid to birds so circumstanced.

The simple but monotonous notes of the cuckoo,
whence it derives name, are too well known to re-
quire any exposition.

THE TROGON, mate anp FEMALE.

(Calurus resplendens.)

Tus family of perching birds are remarkable for
beauty of plumage. With the feathers of these birds
we have been long acquainted, since the ancient
Mexicans employed their long plumes as ornaments ;
and at a later period the Spaniards sent them over to
Europe from time to time. With the entire bird,
however, we have only recently become acquainted.
The late Mr. George Canning, was, we believe, the
first person who had a perfect specimen of the trogon,
and which, after his decease, came into the hands of
Mr. Leadbeater. Several fine specimens may now
be seen in the British Museum.

The rich dress of these birds might become fatally
attractive ; accordingly, the trogons, as if aware of the
fact, are only to be found in the deepest and most

99

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SORIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

gloomy forests, far removed from the habitation of
man. Though arare bird, yet more than thirty differ-
ent kinds are already known, natives of India, the In-
dian islands, Southern Africa, and Southern America.

Mr. Gould describes the Calurus resplendens, or
brilliant trogon, thus: “ bill, gamboge yellow ; head
covered with long plumes, forming a rounded crest ;
from the shoulders spring a number of lance-shaped
feathers, which hang gracefully over the wings ; from
the rump are thrown out several pairs of narrow
flowing plumes of great length—these plumes, to-
gether with the whole of the upper surface, throat,
and chest, are of a most resplendent golden green
the breast, belly, and vent, are of a rich crimson
scarlet; the middle feathers of the tail black; the
six outer ones white, for nearly their whole length,
their bases being black; the feet are brown. Total
length of the bird from the bill to the end of the tail,
from twelve to fourteen inches; the length of the
longest plumes more than three feet.”

The plumage of the other varieties are in beauty
but little inferior to that already described.

The habits of the whole family are much alike.
They sit nearly motionless in a low branch of a tree,
during almost the whole day. In the morning and
evening they catch their prey, consisting chiefly
of caterpillars, locusts, and beetles, darting upon
them with a short and swift flight, returning, for the
most part, to the station they had lett. They build
in the holes of trees, having usually four eggs, on
which the female sits for twenty days. It is added,
that the young take flight the moment they leave
the egg-shell, and follow their parents.

100



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THE TOUCAN.
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THE TOUCAN.

(Ramphastos toco.)

Amonast the numerous ornithological wonders of the
Brazils, the toucan must not be overlooked, the
peculiar habitat of which is to be found on the banks
of the Oronoco. The apparent disproportion of the
bill of the toucan, is one of the innumerable instances
of that beautiful adaptation of structure to use,
which the book of nature everywhere reveals. The
food of this bird consisting, principally, of the eggs
and young of other birds, nature has given them
the most exquisite powers of smell, towards which,
the size of the bill appears to contribute.

The bill of these birds is cellular, nearly trans-
parent, and serrated at the edges; the nostrils
are vertical, and surrounded by a membrane; the
tail is short.

The general plumage of the toco toucan is black,
with the fore part of the neck and rump white ; the
vent red; the bill about eight inches in length, is
reddish, with the tip black. The entire length of the
bird is about twenty-seven inches.

Incubation takes place in the holes of trees, which
are often made by the birds themselves. No bird
better secures her young than the female toucan.
If she perceives the approach of monkeys, her most
formidable enemies, she will so settle herself in her
nest as to put her strong bill out at the hole, and
give the monkeys so warm a salute therewith, that
they are glad to pack away in double-quick time.

In captivity the toucan appears a quiet unoffend-



106

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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

ing bird; but in the event of a small bird being put
into its cage, it instantly gives demonstrative proof
of its carnivorous propensities, and its preference
to flesh before a vegetable diet, seizing the bird,
tearing it limb from limb, and voraciously devouring
the same.

PARROTS.

Parrots form an extensive and interesting family of
climbing birds. They are all yoke-toed, and possess
powerful bills, varying a little from the peculiar
nature of the food on which some of them live.
They are also remarkable for the beauty of their
plumage, and for their extraordinary capability of
imitating the human voice. They inhabit all warm
climates, chiefly in the torrid zone, and are found
in high southern latitudes: throughout Tasmania,
New Zealand, and Australia, they likewise abound.
In their native climates they are the most numerous
of the feathered tribes, flying in large flocks, uttering
loud screams, and performing all kinds of evolutions
in the air.

The whole genus is subdivided into the long and
short-tailed kinds: the long-tailed being remarkable
for having the two middle feathers of the tail longest,
the rest shortening gradually on each side.

The Rep anp Brive Maccaw, or Macrocercus
Macao, is one of the most splendid of the long-tailed
kind: it is also one of the largest,'measuring three
feet in length, of which the tail is full two feet. Its

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THE GREY PARROT.


RED AND BLUE MACCAW.


THE PARAQUET.
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PARROTS.

plumage on the body is brilliant red; the wings deep
blue; the tail blue, crimson, and purple-red; the
cheeks, which in most maccaws are naked, are in this
species clustered with small crimson feathers.

The Rosz-wineep Parraxeret, or Paleornis tor-
guatus, is a very handsome bird, the middle tail
feathers being much longer than the rest. The body
is of a bright emerald colour, with the neck encircled
with rose colour. It is found chiefly in Ceylon, but
is widely scattered, being found even on the western
coast of Africa, near Senegal. This species is be-
lieved to be the popinjay, so celebrated in the sports
of our ancestors, and referred to by Shakspeare.

The Cocxaroos form another branch of this beau-
tiful family. They are chiefly natives of the Molucca
Islands, though they are also found in flocks on the
banks of the rivers of New South Wales. They are
principally distinguished from others of the parrot
tribe by a crest or tuft of feathers on the head, which
the bird has the power of raising or depressing at
pleasure. Like its congeners, it is very clamorous.
In common with other parrots, its nest consists of
vegetable mould only, formed by the decayed parts
in the hole of a tree. The specimen selected by
our artist for illustration, is the SuLPHUK-CRESTED
Cockatoo, or Plyctolophus galeritus, a very handsome
bird, being pure white, with a yellow crest.

The Grey Parror, or Psitiacus erythacus. This
variety is a native of Africa, its general plumage
being ash-grey, inclining to white below; the tail
crimson; the bill black. Its length is about a foot.
This well-known bird is remarkable for its docility.
It is also very long-lived, M. Vaillant mentioning

. 108



et


Se ee
ag a aE eo ee







SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

one as having lived at Amsterdam for seventy-three
years after its arrival in Europe. This species excels
all others for its loquacity, and the distinctness of its
articulation, readily imitating every sound within its
hearing. Many wonderful stories are told of this
bird. “Locke, in his Essay on the Human Under-
standing, relates an anecdote of an old parrot which
Prince Maurice saw in Brazil. Several persons being
in the room with the prince, the bird exclaimed,
“What a company of white men are here!” The
parrot was asked, “ Who is that man?” (pointing to
the prince.) The bird answered, “ Some general or
other.’ The prince asked the parrot, “From what
place do you come?” The bird replied, “From
Marignan.” The prince enquired, “To whom do
you belong?” It answered, “To a Portuguese.”

He asked again, “What do you do here?” The
bird answered, “J Jook after the chickens!” The
prince laughing, exclaimed, “ You look after the
chickens!” The parrot in answer, said, “ Yes, I;
and I know well enough how to do it !” ‘clacking at
the same time in imitation of the noise made bv the
aen to call together her young chickens. Wil-

.oughby, the naturalist, tells us of a parrot, which,.

when a person said to it, “ Laugh, Poll, laugh,”
laughed accordingly ; and the instant ‘after, ‘screamed
out, «What a fool to make me laugh !”

All these birds, and other varieties, may be seen in
the Zoological Gardens, Regent’s Park.



See eee ae ee



CLASS II.—AVES, OR BIRDS. ] [ORDER Iv.—GALLINACEA, OR
POULTRY-KIND.

THE CRESTED CURASSOW.
(Crax Alector.)

Many birds of the gallinaceous kind seem to have
forgotten their native wilds, to place themselves
under the special protection of man ; subsisting upon
the pickings of the farm-yard, the stable, and the
dung-hill. Others, as the partridge and the phea-
sant, are found only in cultivated places, near the
habitations of man, and if not subject to his control,
are at least the objects of his care and pursuit.
Others take shelter in the woods, or range over wild
and heathy mountains. They are distinguished for
delicacy of flesh, bulkiness of body, shortness of bill,
and incapacity for lengthened flights. Their legs are
strong; they are extremely prolific; and their nests
for the most part, built on the ground, so that their
young broods can follow the mother the moment
they are hatched. Most of this order are poly-
gamous.

The crested curassow is found in great numbers in
Mexico, Guiana, and Brazil. It is easily domes-
ticated, and its size nearly that of a turkey. Although
found in flocks, yet curassows take the wing with
great. difficulty: they may, in fact, be called the
pheasants of South America. The plumage is a
deep black colour, glossed with green; beneath is of
a dull white colour. The head is surmounted with a
curled crest, from two to three inches in length.

VOL. Il. Pe 105





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107

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The tail of all the species is somewhat long and
broad. Like poultry generally, they roost, by night,
on trees.

ee es



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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.
|

(

THE PEACOCK. \
In HEB. Tukeeyim.—(Pavo Cristatus.)—IN Ena. Persian-birds.
)

re te ee ee

“ Every three years once came the ships of Tarshish bringing

gold, und silver, wory, and apes, and PEACOCKS.” 2CHRON.

)

}

)

g )
ix., 21. i)
Tuav the peacock was known in Greece, arid had \
spread throughout Europe, in the time of Alexander
the Great, is certain. Aristotle speaks of the bird as )
)

\

(

)

|

well known: when noticing the qualities of certain
animals, he says, “Some are jealous and vain, like
the peacock.” Bochart has shown, that the Hebrew
word in the text above quoted, means peacocks, a
rendering which is justified by the Chaldee, Syriac,
Arabic, and Latin versions ; and is so understood by
the learned rabbis. These birds, were: doubtless,
originally from India, in which country they are still
indigenous. Colonel Sykes describes the birds as in
a wild state in the dense woods of the Ghauts, in the
Mahratta country, and as being identical with the
domesticated fowls of Europe, male and female. “ I
speak within bounds,” says Colonel Williamson, in his
- account of peacock shooting in India, “when I assert
that there could not be less than twelve or fifteen hun-
dred pea-fowls, of various sizes, within sight of the
spot where I stood for nearly an hour.” From India)
they seem to have been brought into Persia, and so ‘
106 '

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THE PEACOCK
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THE PEACOCK.

became gradually dispersed through Judea, Egypt,
Greece, and Europe. Parkhurst, the lexicographer,
well remarks, “ Let any one attentively survey the
peacock in all the glorious display of the prismatic
colours of his train, and he will not be surprised that
Solomon’s mariners, who cannot be supposed ig-
norant of their master’s taste for Natural History,
should bring some of these wonderful birds from their
sauthern expedition.”

“The PEACOCK view, still exquisitely fair,
When clouds forsake, and winds invest the air;
His gems now brightened by a noontide ray ;
He proudly waves his feathers to the day.
A strut, majestically slow, assumes,
‘And glories in the beauty of his plumes.”
. DEVEN’s Paraphrase of Job.

The bill of the peacock is convex, rather stout,
curved and smooth at the base; cheeks partially
naked ; nostrils open ; head plumed, and surmounted
with an aigrette-like crest; the sixth quill longest ;
tail feathers eighteen; tail coverts, or dérain, very
long, large, and, in the male, extensible. The head
is surmounted by an aigrette of four-and-twenty
upright feathers. In the males the tail coverts con-
sist of feathers with loose barbs, and of unequal size,
the upper ones shortest, each terminated by numerous
eyes or circlets of beautiful iridescent brilliancy: these
the bird has the power of erecting into a circle, and
which presents, when the sun shines upon it, an ob-
ject of dazzling splendour which sets all description at
defiance. This train is often spoken of as the tail:
this, however, is quite a mistake; the feathers of the
train, not growing from the uropygium, or rump,

107

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SS Se SS

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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

but all up the back. When the train is erect,
nothing appears of the bird before but its head and
neck. By a strong muscular vibration, these birds
can make the shafts of their long feathers clatter like
the swords of a sword-dancer. The head, throat,
neck, and breast are of a deep blue, glossed with green
and gold; the back of the same tinged with bronze;
the scapulars, and lesser wing coverts are of a reddish-
cream colour, variegated with black. The middle co-
verts deep blue, glossed with green and gold; the bill
and vent are black. The train, however, is the glory
of this bird, forming a fan of the most resplendent
hues—yellow, gilded with various shades, green run-
ning into blue and bright violet, varying according to
its different positions ; the whole train receiving ad-
ditional lustre from the colour of the centre, which
is a fine velvet black. The female has the aigrette,
but her general colouring is of a very sombre hue.
It is, however, remarkable, that the females of this
species, like the pheasant, sometimes, when they have |
)
|

SSeS

done laying, assume the gay plumage of the male.
We remember to have seen a bird of this kind in the "
Leverian Museum, Blackfriars-road. White peacocks
are not at all uncommon in England, forming a sin-
gular variety.

Pea-fowls are rather tender; yet with care are not
difficult to rear. There may be a great difference in
different females as to their care of the young; but,
we believe that, if the mother after hatching her
brood is kept cooped for some time, the young ones
would thrive nearly as well as the common chickens.
When at large, the females being very restless birds,
often lead their young into difficult places, when they }

108

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COMMON PHEASANT.






Sat ee ee ESS EO eESOe ee cca Sees
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PHEASANTS.

often become exhausted, and perish from their
fatigue. These birds, both males and females, if not
carefully housed towards the evening, will roost in the
branches of the tallest trees, or even on the ridge of
barns, however high, and other buildings. Though
heavy birds, they take wing with considerable facility,
but are unequal to long flights.

The hen birds, in common with other poultry,
will, if possible, make their nests in some secret spot,
for fear, it is said, of the male breaking her eggs.
We doubt, however, the correctness of this latter
statement. The eggs laid are usually five or six in
number, and are sat upon from twenty-five to thirty
days, according to the temperature of the climate,
and the warmth of the season. Sometimes the fe-
male will sit twice; but the early hatched birds are
always the finest and strongest. .

If the peacock possesses the garb of an ANGEL,
it certainly has the voice of a Devi.

PHEASANTS.

Puzasants form a class of birds never so well known
as at present. Many beautiful varieties may be seen
in the Zoological Gardens, Regent’s Park. We are
informed, that the Zoological Society have been so
successful in rearing these brilliant and choice birds,
that more than three hundred gold and silver phea-
sants were bred by them during a single season.

The Puasianus Coxicuicus, or Common PHEASANT,
with the protection which the law of Great Britain

1





— aoe

108


rg ep
GOFF OT ae

AL ees

BS aa See eR ne ee

eat
— TOTNES eS

ee

—



EE OEOEEOEOEEE—EeEOE—E—EeOEOEOEeeEEe—eET—EETEEEEEeeE _ SE
== lll lee

\
SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY. |
i

affords, is by no means a rare bird, on the contrary,
it is not only widely scattered throughout our own
country, but spread over the whole of temperate
Europe, and the greater part of the old continent.

and was brought into Europe in the renowned ship,
Argo, under the command of Jason. The pheasant
being famous for its delicate flavour, no less than for
beauty of plumage, knights were accustomed to
regard it, as “the nutriment of lovers, and the viand
of worthies.”

The pheasant ranks amongst the handsomest of
our birds. In size it is somewhat less than the com-
mon cock; the bill is of a pale horn colour ; the eyes
are yellow, and surrounded by a space like fine scar-
let cloth spotted with black; the upper part of the
head and neck of a deep purple, varying to glossy
green and blue; the lower part of the neck and
breast of a reddish-chestnut ; the belly and vent are
dusky; the back and scapulars beautifully varied
with black and white, mixed with deep orange; the
wing coverts are brown, glossed with green, and
edged with white; the two middle feathers of the
tail much longer than the rest, and of a reddish-
brown, varied with black; the legs are dusky. The
hen is but a plain bird, and less than the male.

Pheasants are very shy birds, and never associate
together, excepting during the season of love. The
hep breeds on the ground, laying from twelve to
fifteen eggs. The young follow their mother so soon
as hatched.

The varieties of the pheasant family are very nu-

110



\
Tf tradition is to be believed, this bird received its
name from Phasis, a river of Colchis, in Asia Minor,


GOLDEN AND SILVER PHEASANT-
,

|
:

SS



ESS
SOS oO



oe ooo
a a



PHEASANTS,

merous, and some of them of most splendid plumage;
amongst which number the Gorpen Peasant, or
Phasianus pictus, holds the first place. This bird is
a native of China, and the male bird, when in full
plumage, is about three feet in length, of which the
tail forms two-thirds. From the head rise long, fine,
and bright yellow feathers, which hang gracefully
over the hinder parts, which, with the sides of the
neck, are orange and black. A golden tinge per-
vades the back of the neck, on a green variegated
ground. The feathers of the back are bright yellow,
bordered with crimson, while a deep blue surmounts
the base of the wings, which are themselves beau-
tifully varied with chestnut, brown, and red. The
feathers of the tail are chestnut and black, and above
its base bright scarlet, which is also the colour of all
the under parts excepting the neck, which is dusky-
brown. The iris, bill, and legs are bright colours.
Such a combination of beautiful colouring must be
designed to answer some useful purpose in the eco-
nomy of these birds, of which we are still strangers.

The female is much smaller than the male, her tail
shorter, and the plumage altogether more sombre.
The work of incubation does not differ from that of
other birds of the same species, The young are ex-
tremely delicate, and their native brilliancy of plu-
mage is rarely long preserved in colder climates than
their own.

Another handsome variety is the Strver Puza-
sant, or Phasianus nycthemerus. This bird is also a
native of China, but of the northern provinces ; hence
it is more hardy than the preceding species, and may
be made domestic with nearly as little care as the

ill

eee eee









|
Ie a ee I
(EEE ee

SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

common fowl. It is also less in length than the golden
pheasant by about four inches. The cheeks, like the
common pheasant, are bright red; the top of the
head has long black feathers, falling backward. The
back, wings, and upper part of the tail, are of silvery
white, pencilled with black ; the under parts are pur-
plish-black. It has two long tail feathers of pure
white; the bill is dusky-yellow; and the legs deep
red. It is remarkable how well the splendid colours
of such gay plumage harmonise, and how careful the
birds are in well arranging their beautiful apparel,
spending a large portion of their time in preeng
their plumes.

These and other varieties may be seen alive in the
Regent’s-park gardens, or preserved specimens, in
the British Museum.

THE TURKEY.
(Meleagris gallopavo.)

To America we are, no doubt, indebted for this fine
bird, which is now spread almost throughout the
world in a domesticated state. It is still to be found
in its native wilds, though the rapid increase of the
population of America seems to threaten its extirpa-
tion. The range of these birds extends from the
north-western territory of the United States to
the Isthmus of Darien. The wooded tracts of Ar-
kansas, Louisiana, Tenessee, Alabama, Kentucky,
Indiana, and Illinois, form their great nursery. The
North American ornithology informs us that, in a
112



em oS

Pen
Ne er ea aL ro

—



—

TO




TURKEYS, MALE AND FEMALE.




THE TURKEY,

wild state, the male birds associate together in large
parties, seeking their food apart from the females,
which, in their turn, form groups of their own sex
and their young. All parties, though disunited,
travel in the same direction, and on foot, unless the
hunters compel them to take wing. They feed on
maize, berries, fruits, grasses, beetles, lizards, and
other vermin. They are fond of the pecan-nut, and
acorns, which they find in great abundance in the
valleys’ of the Ohio and the Mississippi. They reach
such localities about October, which the Indians call
the turkey-month. Thus they pass the autumn and
winter, becoming comparatively familiar, The pair-
ing time is in March, when the sexes roost apart, but
at no great distance; the females, when uttering a
call, may be heard by the males, every one of which
within hearing will respond. Where turkeys are nu-
merous, these sounds may be heard for hundreds of
miles together. This continues for about an hour,
and on the rising of the sun, when the birds descend
to the ground, the males go singly, strutting and
puffing, in search of the females. Should the males
(( encounter each other during these ceremonious ap-
proaches desperate, and often fatal battles ensue.
! Such victories, however, seem to induce one or more
of the females to.follow the conqueror, which roost
with him until they begin to lay. They then again

separate, lest the male should break their eggs,
which the males are ever inclined to do. The nest
consists of a few dry leaves, placed on the ground,
where from fifteen to twenty eggs, of a whitish co-
lour, spotted with brown, are laid. The parental
care which the female takes of her young brood is
VOL. II. Q 113
| t

oe OOS ee eeaS eS eS
ON

109

SS EEE ESO eee




SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

remarkable, protecting them, at all hazards, from
every enemy with which they may have to cope, but
especially from the spite of the male birds, which
would, without such protection, inevitably destroy
them.

The turkey, in a domesticated state, is found of all
colours; white is far from uncommon ; buff is more
rare. The darker birds are the most hardy, and
birds hatched early in the spring are easily reared:
a brood hatched after Midsummer is almost sure to
droop and die, unless brought up within doors.

The Pinrapo Guinea Hen, or Numidia meleagris,
is a restless, clamorous, but pretty bird. Its note is
harsh and croaking ; and if disturbed at night, will
alarm the whole neighbourhood by its incessant
and piercing cries. It was originally brought from
Africa; but is now diffused throughout Europe, the
West Indies, and America. It is rather a tender bird.

In size the pintado is somewhat larger than the
common hen, and the sex not easily to be distin-
guished. The head is covered with a naked skin of
blueish colour; the upper part of the neck very
thinly furnished with feathers; the general colour of
the plumage is a dark blueish-grey, sprinkled with
pearl-like spots; its wings are short, and though
heavy in flight, yet if left at liberty, will roost in
the loftiest trees; the feet are nearly black.

The female lays a great number of eggs, which
she loves to secrete till she has produced her young
brood: the egg is smaller than that of a hen but
of superior flavour. The pintado is but a careless
nurse, and will require cooping if a good brood is
desired.

114


M
\\

= e \\ \
ny ! i) \



THE GUINEA FOWL




MESTIC FOWLS-






—_—



THE COCK.

In GREEK, Alector.—(Phasianus Gallus.)—In ENG. Bed-rouser.,

“ Jesus said unto. him, Verily I say unto thee, thut this night,
before the COCK crow thou shalt deny me thrice.” —MatTTHEW,
XXvL, 34.

No class of birds is so useful to man as those of the
gallinaceous kind, especially the common poultry.
By a wise arrangement of Providence, they seem to
have quitted their original wild state, depending
upon man for their support, adorning our farm-
yards. and fields, while they live; and affording us a
delicate, wholesome, and nutritious food, when dead.
Birds of this kind are extremely prolific; and the
young being hardy, are reared almost without trouble.
The hen is a very model of mothers.

Fowls in their present domesticated state differ so
much from. their originally wild state, that it is diffi-
cult to trace them to their primitive stock. The
jungle fowl is still to be found wild in India, and
the islands of the Indian Seas. The domesticated
varieties, both for size and colour, are almost endless,
every district, of every country, having produced a
different kind: the hybrids, also, have contributed
to increase the variety. From Asia, their probable
cradle, these birds have been diffused over every
part of the world, America and Australia not ex-
cepted.

Of all the male birds of this species, for size,
beauty, and courage, the first place must be assigned
to the Enexisn Game Cock; perhaps second to him,
though of dimunitive size, is the Bantam Cocx, so

115







A

SSS S|

1
|
|





SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

spirited that it will fight with birds much larger and
stronger than itself.

The game cock, when in full plumage and undo-
mesticated, is a very beautiful and animated bird.
The head is small, but adorned with a beautiful red
comb and wattles; thé eyes sparkling with fire, and
the whole demeanour bespeaking boldness and free-
dom. The feathers of the neck are long, falling
gracefully down upon the body, which is compactly
made ; the tail is long and arched, giving grace to
all its. movements; the legs are strong, and armed

with sharp spurs, with which he attacks his adver-
sary with the fury of a dragon: he allows, when
surrounded by his females, no competitor, being ever
ready for combat, and either drives his rival from the
field, or perishes himself. He is, moreover, most
attentive to every member of his seraglio, leading,
defending, and cherishing them, never eating until
he sees them feeding around him. The unmanly
practice of cock-fighting, to which this noble bird
was sacrificed, has much declined, especially in our
universities, where it formerly prevailed to a great
extent.

The hen is a great layer: two eggs in three days,
and that during the whole year, the moulting time
only excepted, not being uncommon. A sitting hen
exhibits the most anxious solicitude ; covering her
eggs with her wings, turning them daily, and for-
getting almost her necessary supply of food to com-
plete the growth of the incipient beings, still in the
shell, As the period for hatching advances, she be-
comes still more attentive, leaving her nest with
great reluctance, and then only for a very short time,



SOE EEE LL _ Ee
ON

7~«~ OO eee


THE PARTRIDGE.
a











——~—~_— eer

PARTRIDGES.

The Dorking fowls, we believe, amidst the great
variety which exists, are preferred for the table.

The process of hatching chickens by artificial heat
has been known and practised for ages, especially in
Egypt. Attempts have lately been made to intro-
duce this practice into our own country, and not
without success. This curious process may now be
seen daily in Leicester-square, London.

PARTRIDGES.

In Hesrew, Phorai. In Encuisu, The Clatterer.

“ For the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one
doth hunt a@ PARTRIDGE in the mountains.”—1 SAMUEL,
xxvi., 20.

|
)
)
)
)
)
)
}
)
)
)
)
)
Tue Common Parrrines, or Tetrao perdiz, is one of |
the smallest of a very numerous family, of which the }
Woop Grovss, or Cock or tHE Woop, is the largest. )
Partridges are so well known, that a description i is )
scarcely necessary. They are about thirteen inches }
long, and the general colour of the plumage brown /
and ash mixed with black; the tail is short, and legs
greenish. On the breast of the male bird there is a
crescent of a deep chestnut colour; between the eye
and ear, in old birds, there is also a naked skin of
bright scarlet. Partridges, though widely scattered
in the world, are, nevertheless, confined to temperate
climates, where they are very prolific. Their nests
are made on the ground, of dry leaves, and have
broods from fourteen to twenty. Their favourite food
is ants’ eggs, on which the young will eee the mo-
i





110
SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

aera ee
| ment that they leave the shell. They likewise eat
insects and all kinds of grain.

When disturbed with their young, the male bird
gives the alarm, uttering a peculiar cry of distress,
throwing himself into the more apparent way of
danger, to give the female and their young an op-
portunity of escape in an opposite direction. When
the danger is supposed to be passed, the mother
speedily returns through the grass, collecting her
scattered family as she proceeds, which usually do
not go far, but remain squatted among the grass.

The red and white grouse are varieties of the par-

} tridge family, but are found in colder countries.
Scotland abounds with them.

The Woop Grovssz, or Cock oF THE Woop, is a
large and beautiful bird, nearly the size of a turkey,
weighing from twelve to fifteen pounds, and about
two feet nine inches in length. The bill is convex,
but very strong, and of a horn colour; over each eye
is a naked skin of a bright red colour; the head and
neck are elegantly marked by black and grey lines,
as are also the back and wings; the breast is black,
glossed with green ; the feathers of the tail are black.
The female is much smaller than the male, and dif-

fers greatly in colour.
This splendid bird is rare in Great Britain, but is
) occasionally met with in the north of Scotland. In
) Russia, Sweden, and other northern countries, it is
very common, living chiefly on the cones of the fir
trees, plants, and berries. As the pairing season ad-
) vances in the spring of the year, the male birds utter
) a peculiar cry, which has been compared to the whet-
) ting of a scythe, and which never fails to draw around
4 118
)




THE WOOD-GROUSE.


THE QUAIL.


SES : co
THE QUAIL.
them their faithful mates. The females lay trom
eight to sixteen eggs, of a whitish colour, spotted
with yellow.



THE QUAIL.
In Hes. Selav.—(Tetrao coturnix.)—In Enc. The Quiet-one:

“ The people asked, and he brouyht QUAILS, and satisfied them
with the bread of heaven.” —Psa_m cv., 40.

Quaixs are only about half the size of partridgess
and greatly resemble them in shape and colour.
They are widely diffused throughout Europe, Asia,
and Africa. However numerous in other localities,
quails are by no means numerous in Great Britain.
They breed in this country, and some of them remain
with us during the whole year, only changing their
locality from the interior to the sea-coast. By what
law they are governed in these matters we know not.
About the autumn of the year such immense num-
bers have appeared on the western coasts of the king-
dom of Naples, that a hundred thousand have been
taken in a day, within the space of four or five miles.
In the process of incubation they also resemble the |
partridge.

It seems highly probable that the quails which
supplied the Israelites with food, during their jour- {
ney through the wilderness, were sent thither, on |
their passage to the north, by a wind from the south- |
west, sweeping over Egypt and Ethiopia, towards the |
shores of the Red Sea, See Exodus xvi. 13; and |
{ Numbers xi. 31-2.

119

~—_



1
SS TT TE
_S SO aaa —






PIGEONS
In Hesrew, Joneh. In Encutsir. Beauty.

“ And tf she be not able, to bring a lamb, then she shall bring
TWO TURTLES, or TWO YOUNG PIGEONS; the one for the
burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering.” LEVITICUS,
xii., 8.

In the great economy of nature, beasts and birds,

equally with mankind, find it necessary to accomo-

date themselves to circumstances. In large and un-
cultivated countries, where extensive pastures and
woods are everywhere to be found, the abodes of man
may be shunned, and native liberty preserved; but
as the same countries become more and more peo-
pled, animals seek the protection of man, partially
relinquishing their liberty for the sake of a secure
homestead. The numerous family of pigeons will
illustrate this. In a country like our own, wild
pigeons are comparative rarities, while dove-cotes
everywhere abound. Pigeons love their chains, and
once inured to a locality, nothing will sever them
from it. Accidental circumstances, of different
kinds, may for a time draw them away, but no sooner
are they freed from restraint, than they naturally
return to their accustomed homes. They roam about,
it is true, for their amusement, or in search, at par-
ticular seasons, of some favourite food; yet the nee
of their birth is never forgotten. This is perceptible
in pigeons of every kind, but is specially developed
in the carrier-pigeon, which, from the earliest pe-
riods of time, has been remarkable for its extra-
ordinary sagacity in finding its home, though hun-
120



eo






WILD AND CARRIER PIGEON.








PIGEONS.

dreds of miles from it. Hence the practice of em-
ploying these birds to convey intelligence from a
distance. The crusaders are known to have em-
ployed them during the crusade of St. Louis, or
Louis IX. of France. Tasso likewise, in his poem of
Jerusalem Delivered, sings of a carrier pigeon which,
in the execution of this duty was attacked by a
falcon, and defended by Godfrey, who taking the
letter from the persecuted messenger, was put in pos-
session of all the secrets. The practice is still
common in foreign countries; and even in our own
country, notwithstanding the marvellous invention
of the electric telegraph, the services of the carrier
pigeon is still continued in connexion with the race-
course, the prize-ring, and the stock-exchange.

This power of flight in almost every species of
pigeons, enables them to perform very distant jour-
neys. They are to be found in almost every climate,
succeeding well, even in very northern latitudes.
Pigeons must be pronounced to be beautiful and
elegant birds, naturally gentle and lively, fond of
society, yet the very emblem of connubial attach-
ment and fidelity. They are all remarkably prolific.
To enumerate the numerous varieties of pigeons,
as tumblers, carriers, jacobites, croppers, powters,
runts, baldheads, turbits, shakers, smiters, owls, nuns,
fan-tails, and others, would be quite foreign to our
purpose; we must confine ourselves to a brief ac-
count of two or three varieties.

The Wiip Picson, or Columba enas. This bird
may be regarded as the species whence all the
domestic varieties are derived. It is about fourteen
inches in length; the bill pale red; the head, neck,
VOL. II. R 121

en
i






-c-—-2--—-—D--0-—2—— OE



—
— oOo eo





SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

and upper part of the back of a deep blue-grey ; the
breast of a vinous colour; the lower part of the back,
belly, and tail coverts, are ash-colour; the legs are
red, and the claws black.

Wild pigeons, though partially migratory, yet
numbers of them permanently remain in this
country, changing their locality for procuring food.
In a state of nature, they build their nests in the
hollow of trees, and commonly have but two broods
in a season; when domesticated they will breed eight
or nine times in a year. ‘The male and female alter-
nately perform the work of incubation. The food
which they give the young is first swallowed, and
while in the gizzard becomes macerated, and mixed
with a kind of milk, which, in truth, very nearly re-
sembles what is secreted from the mamme, or breasts
of mammals. This fact possibly gave rise to the no-
tion of pigeons’ milk.

The Micrarory, or Passenerr Prezon (Columba
migratoria). This bird is of the same size as the
last-described, namely, fourteen inches in length.
The tail is of an ash-colour; the neck yellowish-
purple, inclining to green ; the wings have ovate spots
on the middle ; the breast is rufous, and the abdomen
white. Its habitat is North America.

Passenger pigeons are found in immense flocks,
which in their excursions sometimes cover a space of
two miles in length, and a quarter of a mile in
breadth. They travel in the morning and evening,
reposing about noon in the forests, especially in
those which abound in oaks, of the acorns of which
they are very fond. Although they always shape
their course in the same direction, they seldom

122



ee ee EEE
é_—_—— ll TC ENREOSee>ern eee




PIGEONS.

observe the same line of march for two seasons in
succession, proceeding sometimes by the maritime,
and sometimes by the more inland regions. Their
passage, whether in spring or autumn, lasts from fif-
teen to twenty days, after which they are met with
in the centre of the United States. In the states of
Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, their breeding places
are made in the back woods, and often extend nearly
in a straight line across the country for a great way.

“Not far from Shelbyville,” says Mr. Wilson, the
American ornithologist, “in the state of Kentucky,
there was one of these breeding places, which
stretched through the woods for several miles in
breadth, and was said to be forty miles in extent. In
this tract almost every tree was furnished with nests,
wherever the branches could accommodate them.

The pigeons made their first appearance there about
the 10th of April, and left it altogether, with their
young, before the 25th of May. When the young
were fully grown, and before they left the nest,

numerous parties of the inhabitants from all parts of
the adjacent country, came with waggons, axes, beds,
cooking utensils, &c., and encamped for several days
at this immense nursery. The noise was so great that
the horses were terrified by it, and it was difficult for
one person to hear another speak but by bawling in
his ear. The ground was strewed with broken limbs
of trees, eggs, and squab-pigeons, which had been
precipitated from abov ye, and on which herds of hogs
were feasting. Hawks, buzzards, and eagles, were
sailing about in great numbers, and seizing the
squabs from the nests at pleasure, while from twenty
feet upwards, to the top of the trees, the view through

123

See EEE EEE ee eee








eee eee eee EO
ee oe OOOOOeEOeoOomes“S$
SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

the wood presented a perpetual tumult of crowding
and fluttering multitudes of pigeons, their wings
roaring like thunder, mingled with the frequent
crash of falling timber, for now the axe-men were at
work, cutting down those trees that seemed to be
most crowded with nests, and contrived to fell them
in such a manner, that in their descent they might
bring down several others ; by which means the fall-
ing of one large tree sometimes produced 200 squabs.
It was dangerous to walk under these flying and
fluttering millions, from the frequent fall of large
branches, broken down by the multitudes above, and
which in their descent often destroyed a number of
the birds themselves; while the clothes of those en-
gaged in traversing the roads were completely covered
with the excrement of the pigeons.” Mr. Wilson
believes that a flock of pigeons which passed for
hours together, above gun-shot, but distinctly in
sight, must have extended to a length of 240 miles;
and that the numbers composingit, must have
amounted to 2,280,272,000 pigeons. He adds, that
allowing each pigeon only half-a-pint of food daily,
this vast family would require 17,424,000 bushels
daily. These statements, extraordinary as they may
appear, are confirmed by Mr. Audubon, the orni-
thologist, who had the finest opportunities of testing
their truth.

SOE eee ES
Sa

—

ee Ege ae ee I Te
~~

oe
ee OOS


THE TURTLE DOVE.


—_——



Se



EOE

In Hes, Zur.—(Columba turtur.)—In Enc. The Orderly-one.

“ O deliver not the soul of thy TURTLE-DOVE unto the multitude
of the wicked.” —PSALM lIxxiv., 19.

Turs beautiful variety is about a fourth-part smaller
than those already described. Its head, neck, breast,
and back, are light-brown, tinged with grey; a patch
of black feathers, margined with white, are on each
side of the neck; the wing black and bluish-grey ;
the under parts white; the tail feathers brown and
white.

The plaintive cooing of these birds, when in con-
finement, is almost proverbial, and they have the
credit of being remarkably faithful to their connubial
engagements. In a wild state, this delicate bird is
only a periodical visitant in Great Britain, arriving
about the beginning of May, and departing after
incubation, at the commencement of September.
Turtle-doves are found in most warm countries,
where they are also extremely prolific. They are
several times mentioned in the Holy Scriptures.

The turtle is mentioned among migratory birds by
Jeremiah, viii., 7, and this differs from the rest of its
family, which are all stationary. Solomon, Canticles,
ii., 12, notices the return of this bird as one of the
indications of spring :— The voice of the turtle is
heard in our land.”

THE TURTLE DOVE.



1lz


GLASS II.—AVES, OR BIRDS.] [ORDER V.—GRALLA, OR
WADING BIRDS.

DIVISION I.—BREVIPENNES OR SHORT-FEATHERED,.
‘THE OSTRICH.

In Hes. Yeainah.—(Struthio Camelus.)—IN ENG. The Screamer.

«“ Gavest thou wings and feathers unto the ostricH ? Which
leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in dust,
and forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the
wild beast may break them. She is hardened against her
young ones, as though they were not her's: her labour is in
vain without fear ; because God hath deprived her of wis-
dom, neither hath imparted to her understanding. What
time she lifteth up herself on high she scorneth the horse and
his rider.” —JoB, xxxix., 18—18 inclusive.

“ The daughter of my people is become cruel, like the OSTRICHES
tn the wilderness.” LAMENTATIONS, iv., 3.

Tue fifth order of birds, upon which we are now en-
tering, comprises, for the most part, long-legged
wading birds, living in the vicinity of water, and en-
tering it to a certain depth. Baron Cuvier divided
the entire order into five families or divisions, of
which the first is the brevipennes, or short-feathered ;
at the head of which ranges the ostrich, or camel
bird,

‘The ostrich, like the elephant amongst beasts, is
the largest bird in existence, and its plumage is much
valued as an ornament for the ball-room and the
drawing-room. It may even be regarded as the con-
necting link between quadrupeds and birds. Its
height is from eight to nine feet. Its wings are very
short, in comparison with the size of its body, and,
though ill adapted for fiving, greatly assist the bird

126








THE OSTRICH.
THE OSTRICH.

in escaping from its enemies, furnishing at once sails
and rudder in its flight, which, for swiftness, is not
equalled by any horse whatever. Indeed, so fleet is
this bird, that the hunter finds it necessary to begin
the chase at a very slow pace, lest the ostrich should
at once escape from his sight. It is only by a con-
tinuous course, and profiting by the zigzag turnings
of this ship of the desert, that the hunter can ever
hope to approach it. The ostrich is confined to the
arid plains of Africa and Arabia, where, amidst the
burning sands, it contrives to sustain itself, feeding
entirely upon vegetable substances.

The wings of this singular bird have no quiil-
feathers, but are clothed with graceful plumes ; the
latter likewise form the tail. The neck is very long,
and half covered with a thin down; the top of the
head is bald; the eyes are large and prominent; the
bill strong and short; the general colour of the fea-
thers in the males is black, in the females ashy-
brown. The white plumes, so much admired, are
obtained from beneath the wings and tail of both
SeXCSs.
An African’ traveller, Mr. Burchell, relates the
following particulars of the nest and eggs of the os-
trich. “In our way over the plain,” says this gen-
tleman, “we fell in with an ostrich’s nest, if so one
may call a bare concavity scratched in the sand, six
feet in diameter, surrounded by a trench equally
shallow, and without the smallest trace of any ma-
terials, such as grass, leaves, or sticks, to give it a
resemblance to the nests of other birds. Within this
hollow, and quite exposed, lay twenty-five gigantic
eggs, and in the trench nine more, intended, as the

127




_—

re





SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY,

)
) Hottentots observed, as the first food of the twenty-
five young ones.” An ostrich’s egg is said to be a






















sufficient meal for three persons.

The description given by Job in the passage above
quoted, so accurately describes the ostrich, that no
doubt, we think, can exist as to its reference to that
bird, although in the Hebrew text, a word is em-
ployed, which signifies the stork, rather than the
ostrich.

THE EMEU, OR NEW HOLLAND CAS.
SOWARY.

(Dromiceius Australis.)

: In size and bulk the emeu is exceeded only by the
African ostrich, attaining a height of about seven
} feet. It much resembles the ostrich, but is lower on
| the legs, shorter in the neck, and more clumsily
made. Its feathers, at a distance, have the appear-
ance of hair. Their colour is dull brown, varied
| with dirty grey. The wings are small, having fea-
thers which hang over the body on each side. Their
food consists of grass, berries, and other vegetables.
They run with such amazing swiftness, that none
but the fastest dogs can hunt them. The flesh, in
) taste, more resembles beef than fowi.
The eggs of the emeu are nearly as large as
! the ostrich’s, but of a green colour. The female
lays five cr six on the ground. Of the nursing capa-
bilities of the female little can be said. A pair of }
/ emeus at Windsor, had five young ones: the female,
( 128
; (
!




THE EMEU.


CASSOWARY








—looO Oe eee eee —
NN Sa ae aaa eae

eee aaa

THE CASSOWARY.

in various parts of the pen, had dropped nine eges,
which were carefully rolled together by the male
bird, and then sat upon by himself. For nine weeks,
the period of incubation, the female never took his
place, or took the least notice of the young after they
were hatched. This happened in June, 1831. It is,
however, right to add, that since that period, a
female emeu, the property of the Duke of Devon-
shire, laid a number of eggs, which in the absence of
a male bird, she sat upon herself.

An extraordinary variety in this family, is the
Apteryx Avstratis, or Kivi-xrvi, of New Zealand.
The covering of the body of this singular bird is
something between feathers and hair; the wings re-
duced to a mere rudiment; while the lower extre-
mities are so highly developed that it can kick like a
quadruped. The length from the point of the bill to
the end of the tailless body is about thirty-two
inches ; the head and throat are greenish brown, the
remainder of the plumage chesnut-brown, with
blackish margins; the bill long, yellow, and beset
with numerous hairs; the feet are yellowish-brown,
with four toes.

The favourite localities of the bird are those
covered with fern, amongst which it deposits ‘its
eggs. Its habits are believed to be entirely nocturnal :
the natives hunt it by torchlight. When closely
pursued, the apteryx makes a vigorous and even
dangerous defence, kicking with its powerful feet.

It feeds on insects and worms.

cepredhes eee Ee

Vol. II. . 8 129



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CLASS II.—AVES, OR BIRDS. ]} [ORDER Y.—GRALLZ, OF
WADING BIRDS.

DIVISION IIl.——-PRESSIROSTKES, OR HARD-BILLED.

THE BUSTARD.
(Otis tarda.)

Tux greater bustard is the largest British land bird,
being about four feet long: it forms a connecting
link between the gallinaceous kind and the ostrich
family. It is a handsome bird, but heavy on the
wing, and extremely shy. When in danger of being
captured, they graze along the ground with a rapid
and well-sustained flight. They inhabit bushy plains,
feeding on grain, herbs, and insects.

The head, neck, breast, and margin of the wings
are blueish-gray ; the upper parts of the body reddish-
yellow striped with black; the under parts white ;
the tail white, and brownish-orange barred with
black; a tuft,of long wing-feathers appears at the
base of the under mandible. The male bird also is
furnished with a pouch, situated in the fore part of
the neck, which will hold ahout two quarts of fluid.
The design of this peculiar organization is little
known; but it is said that when attacked by birds
of prey, it will throw out the water with such force as
to baffle the pursuit of its enemy.

The female is but a bad nurse, building no nest, and
abandoning her eggs on the slightest pretext. She
lays two eggs of a pale olive brown, with dark spots.

Bustards are scattered over Europe, Asia, and
Africa; but are now rarely to be met with in Great
Britain.

130

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THE BUSTARD.










ig, Wi

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THE LAPWING.
THE LAPWING.
In HE. Dukeephath.—(Tringa vanellus.)—In Ene. The Crier.

( “And the stork, and the heron after her kind, and the Lar-

WING, and the bat.”—-DEUT. xiv., 18.

Tuis bird is about the size of a pigeon. The top of
the head, crest, fore-part of the neck, and breast are
black; the upper parts glossy green; the sides and
under parts white.

In France, and some other countries, lapwings are
migratory; but in Great Britain they remain during
the year, only occasionally changing their locality.
On dry ground, but usually near some marsh, the
female prepares a bed of dry grass, on which she
lays four olive-coloured eggs, spotted with black.
Twenty days is the period of incubation; and the
young are able to run at the end of two or three
days, though incapable of flying until nearly full
grown, being carefully watched by both parents.
On the approach of an intruder the birds rise on
the wing, perhaps a hundred yards distant from the
nest, when they set up a loud screaming noise of
pee-wit, as if they had just left the nest. They fly
with increasing clamour as they recede from ihe
nest, whirring and screaming as if they would strike
their unwelcome visitor with their wings; or flut-
tering as if wounded. When very near the nest
they appear almost unconcerned, their cries subsid-
ing in proportion as their fears increase. In these
feigned efforts, the female is always the more expert.
The food of the lapwing consists of worms.

181









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pees

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Se eS es Oe ee eS ee
PNT

Sie yates Bee ioe a an a a
SS eee

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——_



SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

The following little story is from Bewick :—“ Two
of these birds were put into a garden, when one of
them soon died; the other continued to take up
such food as the place afforded, till winter deprived
it of its usual supply: necessity soon compelled it to
draw nearer the house, by which it gradually be-
came familiarised to eccasional interruptions from the
family. At length one of the servants, when she had
occasion to go into the back kitchen with a light,
observed that the lapwing always uttered his cry of
pee-wit, to obtain admittance. He soon grew more
familiar; as the winter advanced, he approached as
far as the kitchen, but with much caution, as that part
of the house was generally occupied by a dog and a
cat, whose friendship the lapwing at length concili-
ated so entirely, that it was his regular custom to
resort to the fire-side as soon as it grew dark, and
spend the evening and night with his two associates,
sitting close by them, and partaking of the comforts
of a warm fire-side. As soon as spring appeared
he left off coming to the house, and betook himself
to the garden; but on the approach of winter, he
had recourse to his old shelter, and his old friends,
who received him very cordially. Security was pro-
ductive of insolence ; what was at first obtained with
caution, was afterwards taken without reserve; he
frequently amused himself with washing in the bowl
which was set for the dog to drink out of, and while
he was thus employed, he shewed marks of the
greatest indignation, if either of his companions pre-
sumed to interrupt him. He died in the asylum he
had chosen, being choked with something he had
picked up from the floor. During his confinement,

13





(





——DVC_~CXOO0’-NU(“FOEKQvrSG ll leew

eS EEE
a a a a

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THE CRANE
eee

Se eS SE eee
SOOO

ee ew ee ee
SO



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THE CRANE.

crumbs of wheaten bread were his principal food,
which he preferred to anything else.” ;

Some doubts exist whether the lapwing be the
bird referred to by the sacred writer in the passage
quoted at the beginning of this article. Bochart
and others believe the hoopoe to be intended.



CLASS II.—AVES, OR BIRDS. ] [ORDER V.—GRALLZ, OR
WADING BIRDS.

DIVISION ILI.—CULTRIROSTRES, OR KNIFE-SHAPED BILLED.

THE CRANE.

In Hes. Ogur.—(Ardea Grus.)—In Enc. The Returner.

“ Like a CRANE or @ swallow, so did I ehatter.”—Isaian,

XxXvViil, 14.

Cranzs form a large and interesting family, and are
scattered over Europe, Asia, and Africa, visiting the
higher latitudes only for a time ; but spending the
larger portion of their time in warm climates. They
are all characterised by long and strong bills; the
region of the eyes, and base of the bills, are naked
and papillous; their legs long and naked.

The body of the common crane is of an ashy
colour ; the throat and fore part of the neck dusky ;
the top of the head red and naked; from the
pinion of each wing, which is black, springs an elegant
tuft of loose feathers curled at the ends, which fall
gracefully over the tail, resembling the plumes of
the ostrich; the legs and thighs are black. The
entire length of the bird is about five feet ; its gait
being erect, and its figure tall and slender.

Their migratory flights are of the aa kind,

183

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(a nai eee
=~ Ne
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Ne ET

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ae Ee ara ad erm NE ne a
SS Se

on

a







SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

soaring high, and performing very long journeys.
Their height in flying is such, that they are scarcely
visible to the eye, and their departure would not be
known, but for the loud noise which they make.
They formerly used to visit the fens and marshes of
Great Britain, but they have long entirely forsaken
them.
The ground is selected as their building-place.

THE BALEARIC CRANE.
(Ardea pavonina.)

Tus beautiful variety derives its name from the
supposed identity with the Balearic crane of Pliny,
so named from the Romans receiving it from the
Balearic Islands. Its habitat is Africa.

The general colour of this bird is bluish, with
# black head, adorned with a hairy yellowish crest,
moveable at pleasure by the bird; the sides of the
head are naked, and almost rose-colour; the wings
are pure white; the bill, tail, legs, and feet, are
black. Its height is about four feet. It is be-
lieved to be migratory. Its walk is slow and ma-
jestic; but by aid of its wings, it can move along
rapidly : its flight is both high and long. It rests,
in common with other cranes, very much upon one
leg. This is occasioned, Cuvier remarks, by “the
thigh bone which joins the longest leg-bone having
in its middle a depression, which receives a projection
of the latter bones. In bending the leg, this process
is lifted out of the depression, which receives a projec-

184





So
Sr

~~ eee eo
a ee


THE BALEARIC CRANE.


THE HERON.
{
|

——— —

~~
STOO

So

ee

—

. the ridge of the wings is white, the other parts

ee
C?>>>0-0-——— OOS

Tux plumage of this bird, notwithstanding its lanky



THE HERON.

tion, and is returned to its hinder edge. By this mo-
tion the ligaments are necessarily more stretched than
during the extension of the leg, in which the process
remains in its socket. These ligaments, therefore,
preserve the leg extended in the manner of some
springs, without receiving any assistance from the
muscles.” Its voice varies from the hoarseness of a
trumpet, to the clucking of a hen.

Its habits resemble those of the common crane
before described.



THE HERON.
In Hep. Anaph.—(Ardea major.)—In Ena. The Short-breather.
“ And the HERON after her kind.” —LEVITICUS, xi., 19.

appearance, is handsome, being of a blueish-ash
colour; the crown of the head is white, whence pro-
ceeds a long flowing pendant crest of black feathers ;
a double row of black feathers also adorn the neck ;

bluish-black ; the under parts are nearly bare; the
tail is short, and of a brown colour; the legs are
a dirty green. The bill is long, with slightly serrated
edges; the eyes are yellow, giving the bird a fierce
aspect : from its choleric temper it may have received
its Hebrew name—the short breather.

The common heron is dispersed over most of the
countries of the world. In some latitudes it 1s
migratory; in others stationary, though often cheng-
ing its locality. It chiefly haunts woods in the

135








et en et on |

Sa

ewe a PR EE ea rere

ao
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——_

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SCRIPTURE NATURAL (ames ecmemeay ha soe

neighbourhood of rivers or swamps. Wading as far
as it can into the water, it awaits for its prey, which
is seized with undeviating certainty. Herons are
shy and demure, though irascible: they fly high,
especially before rain. Buffon describes this bird as
the very picture of wretchedness ; but this, probably,
is more the language of prejudice, or partial inform-
ation, than truth. Herons, it is true, when stripped
of their feathers, look as though they had heen
starved to death; but this probably arises from a
quick digestion, combined with light food.

During the breeding season they are gregarious,
congregating together like rooks, and building their
nests in the same place. The eggs are usually four

or five in number, about the size of those of a duck,

and of a greenish-blue colour. When the female is

. sitting, the male bird fishes for her, bringing the
required supply.

These birds often go an immense distance in search
of food, the bones of sea-fish having been found
under the nests, in a heronry, at “Walton-upon-
Thames. A young bird from the same heronry
having fallen out of its nest, was taken away in the
evening by a gentleman, who carried it to his house
at some miles distant, and turned it into a walled
garden that night. The next morning one of the
old birds was seen to feed it, and continued to do so
till the young one made its escape. So wonderful is
the economy of nature !

Herons were formerly very common in fenny and
marshy districts; but since our country has been
better drained and cultivated, heronries have gra-
dually declined in number. Herons were, in Eng-

136



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BITTERN. 2. HAWK.


— lOO eee EE

Ta ———







THE BITTERN.

{
i

land’s palmy days of falconry, ranked among the
royal game, and as such protected by law. The
barbarous sport of hawking being happily no longer
the diversion of our nobility and gentry, these birds
are no longer in request. Their migrations are con-
ducted very regularly, from the middle of August to
the setting in of winter: some, however, in mild sea-
sons, continue with us the whole year.

~~ oe

THE BITTERN.
(Ardea stellaris.)

Oe tLe
Se

Tuer last of this family which we can notice, is
the bittern, which in size nearly equals the heron.
The legs are stronger and better covered both with
flesh and feathers; the bill, at the base, is strong,
gradually lessening to an acute point; the eyes
are yellow; the head is covered with long black
feathers, and the feathers on the neck, which are
long, loose, and of a black colour, the bird has the
power to raise or depress at pleasure; the general
colour of the back and wings is dark brown, barred
with black, and variegated with a yellowish white,
which latter colour prevails in the under-parts; the
tail is very short; the legs are pale green, and bare
above the knee. ;

The female is somewhat smaller than the male
and her plumage darker. She is not much of a
builder, making her nest chiefly of withered grass,
and laying from four to six eggs, of a greenish-white
colour.

VOL, II. aw 137

eo eee Ee
Loa

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fo go ae

a pM

pes one

Se Sa
ae re T ES eats et ca

Pe En ee




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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

The bittern is a shy, solitary bird, living amongst
reeds and rushes in a marshy locality. It is heavy
on the wing, flying with a feeble plaintive cry, and
in the night, during the breeding season, makes a
hollow booming noise. This bird is less irascible
than the heron; but when attacked by birds of prey,
it defends itself with great courage, and generally
beats off such assailants; even when wounded by
the sportsman, it will attack him with undaunted
vigour, wounding his legs, or aiming at his eyes,
with its well-sharpened bill.

The bittern is a persevering and skilful fisher.

THE STORK.
Hes. Chaseedah,—(Ardea ciconia.)—EnG. The Merciful-one.

“ Yea, the stoRK in the heaven knoweth her appointed times.” —
JEREMIAH, Viii., 7.

Tur common stork belongs to a widely-scattered
family, being, in some of its varieties, found in
Europe, Asia, and Africa; but though fond of a
warm climate, is never found within the tropics. It
very nearly resembles the crane, but is generally
fuller in flesh. The general colours are white and
brown. The nails of the toes are peculiar, being flat,
like those of aman. The bill is very long and jagged.
It feeds upon serpents, frogs, and fish ; and is classed
by Moses amongst the unclean birds.
Storks make their nests with dry twigs of trees,
which they place upon the highest parts of old ruins,
138

oS EE








THE STORK.


THE STORK.

or upon the tops of mosques and dwelling-houses.
The tops of the pillars of the ruined Persepolis are
almost all occupied by storks. In other localities
they choose the fir and other trees for a dwelling-
place. The female lays from two to four eggs.
When the young are hatched, both parents are most
assiduous in guarding and feeding them: one always
keeping watch, while the other goes in search of
food. They are said to keep the young longer in
the nest than other birds; and then take them forth
by day, but returning with them by night. They,
moreover, practice them in flying, leading them te
the marshes and hedge sides, pointing out serpents,
lizards, and frogs, which are their proper food. At
the end of autumn they congregate upon some ele-
vated station, whence after a great deal of clamour, ©
they go off together, some of the old birds leading
the way, the young ones being in the centre, and a
second body of the old ones remaining behind. They
return in spring to their original nests. In this
return it is not uncommon to see several of the old
birds, which are tired and feeble with their long
flight, supported at times on the backs of the young,
and when they reach home are carefully laid in the
old nests, and cherished by the young ones, who had
previously received so good a training. These, we
believe, to be facts, not fables.

“The stork’s an emblem of true piety;
Because, when age has seized and made his dam
‘Unfit for flight, the grateful young one takes
His mother on his back, provides her food,
Repaying thus her tender care of him
Ere he was fit to fly."—BEAUMONT.

189

ieee



—~



|




ee
eae
ae

SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY. |

'
|
Storks are very common in Holland, Denmark,
, and other northern countries, during the summer
‘ months; but seem to have taken their final de-
\ parture from Great Britain.
| _ The African variety of this bird is the Marasou
, Stor, Ciconia Marabou. The marabou is about
) five feet high, the plumage of the back and wings
} is black, tinged with green; the tail also is black;
; and under the tail coverts are found the valuable
/ plumes, which are superior to those of the ostrich,
/ and which, with the under parts, are pure white. The
| billis very wide, large, and long, of a yellowish hue.
From the lower part of the neck hangs a pouch of
fleshy white, which deepens into red when the bird
‘ is irritated. The marabou in its native country joins
| with the vulture, as a general scavenger.
) Dr. Latham mentions a young bird of this species,
) which had been domesticated in Africa. At dinner-
time it always took its place behind its master’s
) chair, looking out for a share of the meal. Such
) was its voracity and cunning that the servants were
) obliged to carry a stick, to prevent the bird from
) attacking the viands when placed on the table; in
spite of their vigilance it was often successful, and
has been known to gulp down a boiled fowl entire.
It was remarkably unoffending, roosting in the
highest trees, and marching about at pleasure. One
) of the attitudes of this singular ‘bird, when at rest,
) was sitting on the ground, with its legs stretched out
) before it. :
)
)
5



SSO Oooo Seo

*




THE WHITE SPOONBILL
oO P-w@P--- —_
oS a —

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THE SPOONBILL.
{Platalea leucorodia.)

Tats bird im length is about two feet eight inches,
and the plumage entirely white. It is remarkable
for its bill, which is more than six inches long, thick
at the base, very flat towards the extremity, rounded
like the mouth of a mustard spatula, and of a yel-
lowish colour mixed with brown. The feathers on
the hinder part of the head are long and narrow,
forming a kind of crest. The toes are connected
near their junctions by webs, and with the legs are of
a dirty black colour.

Spoonbills are migratory, coming northward in
the spring, and returning in the winter. Their
range extends between the Ferro Isles and the
Cape of Good Hope. They are never far from the
sea-coasts, the banks of rivers, or stagnant pools of
water, where they procure fish, frogs, or worms;
they eat also grasses and roots, which are found in
swampy places.

They make their nests on the top of large trees,
laying three or four eggs of a white colour, spotted
with red. Spoonbills are remarkably clamorous
during the breeding season.

14d

}

eo
CLASS II.—AVES, OR BIRDS. ] [ORDER V.—GRALLZ, OR
WADING-BIRDS.

DIVISION IV.—-LONGIROSTRES, OR LONG-BELLED.

THE IBIS.

(Ibis religiosa.)

Few birds have attracted more notice than the one
of which we are now to treat, although its history
has been mixed up with fable from a very distant
period. Naturalists, until very recently, knew not
what bird it was which was so often to be met with in
the records of ancient Egypt, referrmg it to some
kind of stork or crane. Bruce, the African traveller,
has set this question at rest, by identifying the living
bird, as found on the banks of the Nile, with the
outline figures on the monuments of Egypt, and
mummies found in the tombs: on this accurate
information modern ornithologists have founded the
genus ibis.

This bird is now far from common in Lower Egypt,
but may more frequently be met with above the
cataracts. Its services in destroying locusts, ser-
pents, and other such vermin, induced the supersti-
tious Egyptians to pay it divine honours. The
ibis was pronouneed sacred for political purposes, in
order to preserve and multiply so useful an animal.
It need therefore excite no surprise, if formerly the
killing of this bird was held to be a capital crime.
It was, moreover, adopted by the Egyptians as the
emblem of their country, and the symbol of the over-
flowing of the Nile, from its arrival, during breeding
season, and departure, coinciding with the com-

142

——_








THE SACRED AND SCARLET IBIS.


THE SNIPE.
Eee EEO

THE WOODCOCK AND SNIPE,

me

mencement and continuance of the fertilizing inun-
dation of that river.

The bill of the ibis is long, slender, arched, and.
broad at the base; the face, and part of the head
and neck, naked; the legs also are naked above the
knee ; the fore toes united as far as the first joint,
the hind toe long, and reaching the ground. The
general plumage of this bird is a snowy white: the
back and quills black ; the upper part of the neck
having a browny tinge.

Of their domestic habits little is known.

The Scarter Isis, or Ibis rubra, though a native
of South America, is in all respects like the sacred
ibis, the plumage only excepted, which, in an adult
male, is a most brilliant scarlet colour, excepting the
tips of the wings, which are black.

The progressive changes in the plumage of the
young is most extraordinary: the newly hatched
birds are covered with down, which is successively
blackish-ash colour, then almost white : at this time
they begin to fly; and at the second moult the red
tinge appears, and increases with age, until the scar-
let ultimately assumes its intense brilliancy.

SS



THE WOODCOCK AND SNIPE.

(Scolopax rusticola.)

Tue Woopncocx, or scolopax rusticola, is about
fourteen inches in length, and three quarters of a
pound in weight. The shape of the head is pecu-
liar, being nearly triangular, and the ge eyes,

OTE.
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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

almost at the top of the head. The bill is more than
three inches long, terminating in a kind of knob,
the lining of which is very sensitive, and with an
acute smell, assists the bird in procuring its food.
The colours of this bird, black, white, grey, ash, red,
brown, rufous, and yellow, are so crossed, broken,
barred, and streaked, that it is difficult to describe
them, but which are so blended together, that they
appear at alittle distance as the withered stalks and
leaves of ferns, sticks, and grasses, so that except-
ing to a very experienced eye, the bird escapes un-
noticed.

Woodcocks arrive in this country from about the
beginning of October until December, not in flocks,
but singly, or in pairs; taking the precaution, also,
of landing during the night, or in hazy weather, the
better to conceal their arrival. Neither do they re-
main on the coast, but proceed inland, and to the
same localities which they left the preceding season.
In proof of this it may be mentioned, that a wood-
cock was caught alive and unhurt at Whatcombe, in
Dorsetshire. The date of the year being scratched
upon a piece of thin brass, was bent round the bird’s
leg, and then let to fly. In December of the next
year, this bird was shot with the brass about its leg,
and in the same wood in which it had been caught
the year preceding. About the beginning or middle
of March, they draw towards the coast, and insensibly
disappear.

The female makes a rude nest on the ground,
where she lays four or five eggs, of a rusty grey
colour, blotched with dusky spots. The young
leave the nest the moment they are hatched ; but

144





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—_—




a

THE SNIPE.

are still attended to by the parent birds, until they
can shift for themselves.

The Common Syirz, or scolopax gallinago, greatly
resembles the woodcock, but is somewhat smaller.

Its places of resort are, likewise, much the same,
being fond of bogs, wet ground, and osier beds,
where it is incessantly employed in picking out a
small transparent red worm, which constitutes its
principal food: slugs, and grubs of insects, are also
acceptable. On the least alarm it seeks for shelter
amidst the variegated herbage with which it is sur-
rounded, perceiving the sportsman and his dog at a
very great distance. When disturbed, it utters a
feeble whistle ; and from its vigilance, and zigzag
manner of flying, i is one of the most difficult birds to
shoot.

The snipe is migratory, coming to this country in
the autumn, and leaving in the spring; yet it is no
less certain, that many of these birds remain with us
during the breeding season. The female makes her
artless nest on the ground, with dry grass and fea-
thers, and lays four or five eggs of a greenish colour
with rusty spots. The young run from the nest the
moment of their leaving the shell.

Snipes are much in request for the table, their
flesh being wholesome and well-flavoured.





1


oe ee



THE RUFF.

(Tringa pugnax.)
Tur Sandpipers form a numerous and interesting class
of birds, resembling each other in having a long and
slightly: arched bill; slender legs, naked above the
knee; the three fore-toes quite divided, or, in a few
species, the middle and outer toe connected by a
membrane, They, moreover, all frequent marshy
places, near rivers, lakes, and seas, ever searching
mud, sand, or heaps of seaweed, in quest of insects,
larvae, worms, and small shellfish.

Ruffs, though bearing a general resemblance to
each other, are, nevertheless, remarkable for their
variety of plumage, since it rarely happens that two
ruffs are alike in plumage, a circumstance which is re-
markable in wild birds. The general colour is a
brownish ash, with transverse bars, and spots of a
dusky colour ; the belly and under parts white; the
tail short, brown, and barred; the legs are yellow.
The males are distinguished by a singular ruff at the
back of the neck, which, however, does not appear till
the second year. After moulting they lose this ruff,
which does not grow again until the spring of the
year. The female bird is called a reeve.

These birds leave our country on the approach of
winter, and become gregarious; in the spring of
the year the males return alone. Until the arrival
of the females they remain peaceable, but on the
appearance of a single female, her feeble cry seems
to be the signal for war, for the males begin a des-
perate fight with each other, which ends by the

' female becoming the prize of the victor.
146



see












THE WATER.-RAIL,
“ee

a.









a



THE WATER HEN.

(

!

( Towards the beginning of May the female makes

(, her nest in a dry tuft of grass, and lays about: four

(\ white eggs, marked with rusty spots,

( Ruffs are to be found in all the northern countries

\ of. Europe.

( The ABERDEEN SanpriPeER, or Tringa feclanaien,

is about a third smaller than the ruff, being eight

(( inches long; the head, neck, and back are dusky,

(( marked with red; the lower parts of a cinereous rust

(( colour; the quill feathers are dusky, tipped with
white; the legs are long and black. These birds are
more common in Scotland than in England; they
have also been met with on the coasts of Labrador,
and Nootka Sound, and in summer frequent the
neighbourhood of the Caspian Sea and the river Don.

Like their compeers, they are ever on the alert,

running up and down on sandy banks, picking up
insects and small worms. Their habits require no
particular notice,





CLASS II.—AVES, OR BIRDS. ] [ORDER V.—GRALLZ, OR
WADING BIRDS.

DIVISION V. —-MACRODACTYLT, oR LONG-TOED.

THE WATER HEN.

(Fulica chloropus.)
Tus class of birds is distinguished by their very long
toes, hence called macrodactyli. This peculiar . or-
ganization assists the birds alike in running and
swimming.
The weight of tee water-hen is nearly a pound,








a a a

SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

and its length about fourteen inches. The bill is
more than an inch long, and reddish at the base,
whence proceeds a membraneous substance, which
shields the forehead, and which, during the breeding
season, is a bright red. The head is small and black,
excepting a white spot under each eye; all the upper
parts of the plumage are of a dark olive-green, with
a brown tinge; the under parts are of a lead colour :
the feathers of the wings and tail are black and
white; the toes are exceedingly long, and placed far
behind.

The water-hen is a shy bird, concealing herself
during the day amongst the reeds and osiers by the
sides of a river, which is preferred to stagnant water.
In the evenings the bird creeps and skulks among
the roots and long herbage which overhangs the
banks, in search of food, being alike insectivorous
and granivorous.

The female makes her nest close by the brink of
the water, collecting for that purpose a great quan-
tity of withered reeds and rushes, which she closely
entwines, carefully covering up her eggs when she
leaves the nest. She lays six or seven eggs, of a
yellowish-white, with rust-coloured spots. The young
brood do not remain long in the nest, but crawl out,
take to the water, and shift for themselves: The
mother commonly has two hatchings in a season.

Moor-hens are nowhere very common; but they
are to be met with in all parts of the world, and pro-
bably in every county of our own country. Although
not birds of passage, they make a partial emigration
from one district to another, according to the weather.

The Coor, or Fulica atra, is as large again as the

148

ee




THE COOT,


SS



THE COOT.

water-hen, and resembles it also in habits. It has
a callous membrane over the forehead, which, during
the season of love, is a bright red. The upper
plumage is black, with a little white on the edges of
the wing, and a spot under each eye; the under parts
are of a dark lead colour. The skin is clothed with
thick down.

This bird seems to be the connecting link with
the web-footed class, being itself fin-footed, and as
good a swimmer and diver as any of them, though a
bad traveller on land. It seeks its food on the water’s
brink, and in the evening of the day. It is but sel-
dom that the sportsman and his dog can force the
coot to take wing; it will rather bury itself in the
mud, or skulk into any hole it may chance to find,
than rise.

The nest is commonly made in a bush of rushes,
surrounded by water, with weeds and grass well
woven together. The female lays from twelve to
fifteen eggs, and generally has two broods in a
season.

At Belsay, in Northumberland, a nest was made by

‘one of these birds among the rushes, which after-

wards being loosened by the wind, and floated upon
the surface of the water in every direction; the bird,
notwithstanding, continued: to sit as usual, and in
due time brought out her young.

No sooner do the young ones disentangle them-
selves from the eggshell, than they plunge into
the water, but still gathering about the mother for
some time.

149

See

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OOO OE

THE RED FLAMINGO.

(Pheenicopterus ruber.)

THE last of the order of Grallz which we ean notice,
but which does not belong to the family of the ma-
crodactyli, oy long-toed, is the Flamingo, a bird
inhabiting the warmer parts of both continents, but
is seldom seen in a higher latitude than the fortieth,
north or south.

The bill of this bird is thick and strong, red at the
base and black at the tip; the nostrils are in the
middle of the bill; the legs are very Iong, and covered
with a membrane, with three toes before, and a very
short one behind; the head, neck, and lower parts,
are rose-coloured; the wings bright red; the quills
deep black ; the long red secondary feathers of the
wings much exceeding the quills in length. The
entire length about four feet and-a-half.

The food of the flamingo consists of small fishes
and their spawn, with aquatic insects. They are gre-
garious, and when feeding, being extremely shy, a
sentinel is placed to watch, and give an alarm on the
approach of danger, which it does by giving a trum-
pet-like scream, when the whole flock make a rapid
retreat, trusting, however, more to the strength of
their legs than their wings.

They build their nests in marshy places, the site
thereof being raised more than a foot above the sur-
face of the water; the nest is constructed of mud,
scraped together, and hardened by the heat of the
sun, or the heat of the bird’s body. The nest resem-
bles a truncated cone, or inverted chimney-pot. The

150



— eet
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THE FLAMINGO.
CRESTED GREBE



AND PUFFIN


| THE GREBES.

female lays only two eggs; and her legs being ex-
tremely long, she straddles over the nest, her legs

hanging down.

The tongue of the flamingo is larger and more

fleshy than that of any other bird. It was greatly
extolled by Roman epicures: by our modern voyagers
this dish is spoken of as a high luxury.



‘CLASS IT.—AVES, OR BIRDS. | {ORDER VI.—-PALMIPEDES, OR
WEB-FOOTED BIRDS.

DIVISION I.—BRACHYPTERA OR DIVERS.

THE GREBES.

Tne palmipedes, or web-footed birds, form a very
numerous class; the varieties almost endless. Their
bills are of various forms; their legs short; and the
toes partially or wholly connected by webs.

Most of the species belonging to this order may be
denominated sea-birds. Their plumage is thicker,
closer, and better furnished with down, than that of
other birds. Some both swim and dive; others only
swim, but never plunge under water; while a few
are almost habitually resident in the water. They
subsist generally on fish, and marine insects ; but a

few, as geese, swans, and some ducks, feed also on -

vegetables. They breed in holes, among rocks ; or

sometimes on the stony beach. Most of them moult

twice a year. ‘The young, during the first year, and,

jn some cases, during several years, differ much
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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

in appearance from the full-grown birds. For the
most part they are polygamous and prolific.

All the Gress have the under parts of their body,
and especially the breast, covered with a very com-
pact and glossy down. They dive, and swim rapidly,
even under water, and pursue fish to a considerable
depth. They alike frequent the sea, and the fresh
waters. Fishermen have sometimes caught them in
their nets, even at the depth of twenty feet. The
male and female grebe greatly resemble each other
im appearance.

The Great-cREsteD Gress, or Colymbus cristatus,
is the largest of this family, measuring nearly two
feet in length. The bill is about two inches and a
quarter long, dark at the tip, and red at the base;
the bare stripe between the bill and the eyes, in the
breeding season is red, at other times dusky. The
head of the adult male is furnished with a great
quantity of feathers, forming a curious kind of ruff,
surmounting the upper part of the neck; those on
each side of the head, behind, are longer than the
rest, standing out like ears: this ruff is brown and
black. The upper part of the plumage is mouse-
coloured ; the under-parts silvery white; the legs
are dusky in front, the inside, with the toes, being
greenish.

These birds are common in the fenny parts of
England, and are to be found on almost every lake
in northern Europe; they are also met with in
various parts of the United States and Canada.

Their nest is concealed among the flags and reeds
which grow in the water; and should the water even
rise so as to swim the nest, the lady-grebe still con-

152

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nn ap ge


THE PENGUIN,










PENGUINS.

tinues the work of incubation: the nest is compactly

' put together, consisting of dried fibres, stalks, and

leaves of aquatic plants.

The Great Nortuern Diver, or Colymbus gla-
cialis, is a very fine bird, often weighing sixteen
pounds, and in length is more than a yard. The
bill is strong, and of a black colour; the head deep
black, glossed with green and purple; the neck has
a black bandage about it, on a white ground; the
upper parts of the plumage are black with white
spots ; the under-parts, white; the quill-feathers and
tail are black. .

These handsome divers are not often seen in Eng-
land, excepting, very occasionally, during a severe
winter. They frequent the arctic coasts of Europe ;
but seldom quit the sea, excepting at the breeding
season, when they repair to the fresh-water lakes of
Spitzbergen, Iceland, and Greenland, where they
rear their young.

They make a coarse nest, amongst the rushes, or
on the shore, the female laying only two eggs of
a dirty stone colour. They are strong on the wing,
and adepts both at swimming and diving.



PENGUINS.

Tur Peneuins, or Avks, form another great family,

having bills straight, broad, and compressed ; nostrils

nearly closed by a membrane, and covered. with

minute feathers; legs short, placed far behind, and

with three toes directed forward ; the wings are very
VOL, II, x 1538

119



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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY,

short. These birds are seldom seen on land, except- (,
ing for the purpose of breeding; they lay only
one egg.

The AFTENODYTES DEMERSA, or JACK-ass PENGUIN,
has the bill and feet black; the eye-brows and pec-
toral band white; the upper parts black-speckled ;
white beneath; the wings quite unsuited for flight.

They are widely scattered over the Atlantic
Ocean, the Antarctic Sea, and the South Seas: they
are also numerous on the Falkland Islands, and
at the Cape of Good Hope. |

The manner in which these birds feed their young
is curious. The old bird having made a great noise,
between quacking and braying, suddenly puts its
head down and opens its mouth, into which the young
one thrusts its head, and then appears to suck from
the throat of the parent bird for a minute or two;
after which the clatter is renewed, and the young
one again feeds.

Mr. Darwin, in his Researches, gives an account of
a rencontre with one of these birds on the Falkland
Islands. “Having placed myself,” says this writer,
“between the penguin and the water, I was much

' amused by watching its habits. It was a brown
bird; and till reaching the sea it regularly fought
and drove me backward. Nothing less than heavy
blows would have stopped it; every inch gained
it firmly kept, standing close before me, erect
and determined. When thus opposed it was con-
stantly rolling its head from side to side in a very odd
manner. This bird is commonly called the jackass
penguin, from its habit when on shore, of throwing
its head backwards, and making a loud strange noise,

154














THE PUFFINS,

very like the braying of that animal; but while |
at sea, and undisturbed, its note is very deep and
solemn, and is often heard in the night-time. In
diving, its little plumeless wings are used as fins;
‘but on the land, as front legs. When crawling on
the side of a grassy cliff, it moved so very quickly
that it might readily have been mistaken for-a quad-
ruped. When at sea and fishing, it comes to the
surface for the purpose of breathing, with such a
spring, and dives again so instantaneously, that I
defy any one at first sight to be sure that it is not a
fish leaping for sport.”

The Puffin, or dlca Arctica. This singular mem-
ber of the penguin family is often called the sea
parrot, from the peculiarity of its bill, which appears
as though both mandibles were covered with a sheath;
hence the bird is known as the knife-dill, the bite of
the bird being so severe as to resemble a cut with a
knife. The base of the bill is lead colour, the other
parts red; the eyes are protected, both above and
below, by small callous protuberances; the cheeks
are white and grey, with prominent feathers. The
upper part of the plumage is black; the under parts
white.

The puffins fly with difficulty, and walk awkwardly;
the sea being their abode excepting in very tem-
pestuous weather, when they repair to the caverns
and holes of the rocks. They feed on crabs, shrimps,
and small fish; but with their formidable bills, they
can also crush the larger kinds of shell-fish.

In common with others of this species, the puffin
makes no nest; yet is rather an anxious mother,
defending her young one to the last extremity. This

155
(








=

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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

attachment however ceases when the day for migra-
tion arrives; the young, which are not able to fly,
being left behind for birds of prey, or to perish for
want.

Puffins are found in immense numbers on almost
all the rocky cliffs of Great Britain, and in various
parts of the northern world. They arrive in this
country about April, the whole associated swarm
leaving for regions better suited to their future -
exigences, toward the middle of August.

CLASS II. —AVES, OR BIRDS. ] [ORDER VI.—PALMIPEDES, OR
WEB-FOOTED BIRDS.

DIVISION II.—LONGIPENNES, OR HIGH-FLYING BIRDS.

PETRELS.

The petrels consist of many species, though only
about three can be considered as British birds. They
are roving and adventurous tenants of the ocean,
being met with by navigators in all climates, and at
the greatest distances from land. They sport with
the tempest, mounting and descending with the
raging billows, without dismay; and making the
ocean itself their cradle in calm weather. They
seldom venture on shore, excepting during the
breeding season, though unmeasured flyers. They
make their nests in holes and rocky crevices, con-
tinuing for some time on shore, for the purpose
of rearing their young. When attempts are made
to rob their nests, or an attack is made upon them-
156



——



|




































































THE STORMY PETREL,
EOE OEE eee eee eS ae ee = -
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PETRELS,

selves, their only mode of defence consists in squirting
an oily substance from their throats with great force,
upon the face of their enemy. They are known by
sailors as mother Carey’s chickens, or mother Carey’s
geese, and their appearance is superstitiously con-
sidered to be the certain indication of an approaching
storm,

The Srormy Perret, or procellaria pelagica, may
be thus described: the head, back, and wings are
black; the great wing coverts bordered with white ;
the lower coverts pure white; the wings much longer
than the tail; the bill and feet black. Total length
of the bird being little more than three inches, it is
the smallest of all web-footed birds.

Vessels on leaving port will be followed by a flock
of petrels for many hundred miles, keeping, during
the day, in the ship’s wake. Constantly and keenly
watching, they keep near the vessel, and when any
fatty animal matter is thrown overboard, they sud-
denly stop their swallow-like flight, and whirling
instantly down to the water, will crowd together like
a flock of chickens, scrambling for the same morsel ;
at the same time pattering on the water with
their feet, and dipping down their heads to collect
the sinking object in pursuit. On other occasions,
as if to relieve the fatigue of continual flight, they
jerk and hop widely over the water, rebounding as
their feet touch the water. During a gale their
address and alacrity is wonderful. Unappalled by
the storm, they appear to trip and sport securely on
the roughest sea, taking delight in braving. what

to others would be overwhelming’ danger. A little:

after dark these aérial mariners cease their arduous
157

120

—
Tes







SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

daily course; but are found again in the wake of the
ship, by nine or ten o’clock the next morning.

Their food consists of marine plants, sea-snails,
and small fish. They breed in June and July; but
even then, such is their power of flight, that they
may be seen out at sea, hundreds of miles distant
from the shore. This, probably, led to the vulgar
opinion of sailors, that petrels, being in league with
the devil, unlike other honest birds, hatch their eggs
under their wings, as they sit on the water !

The localities of these birds are the whole of
America to Cape Horn, being common on the coasts
of Chili, Brazil, and the United States; they are
sometimes seen at the Cape of Good Hope, and ac-
cidentally, on the coasts of Spain, and in the Medi-
terranean. They have now and then been shot in
England.

The Futmar, or procellaria glacialis. The bill of
this variety is strongly formed, hooked, and of a
grayish colour. The head, neck, tail, and under
parts are white; the back and wing coverts, blue-
grey; the quills dusky blue; the legs yellowish,
inclining to red. The entire body is thickly clothed
with feathers, upon a fine down. The length of the
bird is about seventeen inches.

These birds have been met with in both the arctic
and antarctic regions, even amid the floating islands,
and eternal mountains of ice and snow.

They are caught in great numbers on the isle of
St. Kilda, furnishing the islanders with oil for their
lamps, down for their beds, a delicacy for their tables,
a balm for their wounds, and a medicine for their
disorders. Such, at least, was Pennant’s opinion.

158



|














































































































































































































































































THE ALBATROSS.
eet



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THE ALBATROSS,

The fulmars are reputedly great gluttons, clearing
the sea of any floating putrid substances which they
may chance to find. They pursue whales which may
be wounded; and when these monsters of the deep
cannot sink, flocks of these birds alight upon the
carcases, ravenously plucking off, and devouring
large lumps of the blubber.

In common with other birds of this kind, the
female lays but one egg, which is hatched during
the month of June.

THE ALBATROSS.

(Diomedea exulans.)

_Tux albatross is characterized by a strong hard bill,

and considerably curved at its extremity; the feet
short, having three toes long, and completely web-
footed. It is the largest sea-bird known, weighing
from twenty to thirty pounds, and measuring, from
wing to wing, from twelve to seventeen feet. The
top of the head is of a ruddy grey; the rest of the
plumage white, with transverse black bands on the
back, and on a few of the wing feathers. The feet
are a deep flesh colour; the bill pale yellow.

These birds are not confined to the Southern
Ocean, as was once believed, but abound also in
northern latitudes, immense flocks of them being
found towards the end of June in Behring’s Straits
and Kamtschatka. They seem to be attracted thither
by vast shoals of fish, the migratory movements of

159










SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY,

which these cormorants follow. Being great gluttons,
they will swallow a salmon of four or five pounds,
when, being half choked, and unable to move, the
natives readily knock them on the head with a stick.
In the absence of nobler prey these birds will feed
upon fish spawn, and small mollusca.

Notwithstanding their size and strength, they by
no means merit the appellation of men-of-war, being
naturally cowards, and avoiding aggressive war.
Gulls, on the contrary, will often attack them, when
the albatross cannot escape but by dipping its body
into the water.

The Kamtschadales eat the albatross, though
tough and dry, using the entrails as buoys for their
nets, and employing the long wing bones for tobacco

pipes.

GULLS.

No birds better deserve the name of longi-pennes,
or long-quilled, than the gulls, which constitute an
exceedingly numerous family, scattered over every
part of the knoyn world; and at certain seasons, in
some localities, are found in such multitudes, that
the whole surface of the ground is covered with their
dung; their eggs are then, likewise, collected in pro-
digious quantities. Among feathered tribes they
bear but an indifferent character, being at once glut-
tonous, lazy, thievish, and cruel. The stronger will
rob the weaker; and their capacious maws are never
satiated.
160





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GREAT TERN AND SEA GULL,




















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GULLS,

The larger species of gulls are more common in
cold than in warm climates, being well protected
from the storm and the cold, by their power of flight,
lightness of body, and the warm downy mantelet
with which they are enwrapped: though voracious
they can bear great privations, living for many days
without taking any sustenance whatever.

Their general characteristics as a family, are a
strong and straight bill, bent downwards at the point ;
a large head; small legs, naked above.the knees;
feet webbed, with the back toe detached, and very
small.- To which may be added, incessant, restless-
ness; unceasing crying; and long wanderings in
straggling flocks, regardless of the noise of the waves,
or roarings of the tempest.

The Common Guit, Mew Sxva, or Larus Canus,’

though measuring about a foot and-a-half in length,
| does not often exceed a pound in weight. The bill
is a yellowish-green ; the eyes hazel; the back, sca-
pulars, and wings, a pale bluish-grey; the throat,
tail, and under parts pure white; the first two quills
| are black, tipped with white spots; the legs greenish.
Of the plumage of these birds, however, scarcely
two are alike. These gulls frequent the shores of
Great Britain more than other genus.

Their nests are to be found on rocky.cliffs; laying
two eggs of an olive-brown colour, with reddish
blotches. :

The flesh of these birds is not much esteemed ; but
after being buried in fresh mould for a day, or
washed in vinegar, they become sweetened, and are
said to be good food.

The Arctic Gutu, or Larus Parasiticus, is @

VOL, 11. 7 ¥ 161

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2RIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

little larger than the bird last described; its bill
being bluish at the base, and black at the tip; on
the top of the head is a sort of hood of a blackish-
brown colour; the throat, neck, and under parts,
pure white; the back, wings, and tail feathers are

\\ ashy-brown ; the tail terminates with two blackish

}\ feathers, which are longer than the rest ; the feet are
‘\ black.

This bird is seldom to be seen in England, being
rarely found south of the Shetland and Orkney
Islands. To these islands the arctic gull pays a kind
of migratory visit, being only seen there between the
months of May and August; but it is doubtful whe-
ther its visits to the shores of Scotland be not rather
\ for the purpose of procuring food, than for incuba-
tion. These gulls rank as princes amongst robbers.
Though not larger than many of their comipeers, yet,
possessing immense power of flight, daring courage,
and felonious perseverance, they choose rather to
pursue other birds which have captured a prey, than
take thé trouble to cater for themselves. Ever
watching the movements of other birds, no sooner do
they perceive a prey to be taken by another, than a
{ vigorous pursuit is commenced, and the aérial evolu-
tions of the feazer (for so is this bird called) soon
enables it to overtake the unfortunate object of its
pursuit, take the prey from it, or, if already swal-
lowed, compel the frightened bird to disgorge.

The natural habitat of these gulls is the North,
the shores of the Baltic, Norway, and the Polar
regions. In the Polar seas of Europe and America
they are far from uncommon.

162





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EG





TERNS, OR SEA SWALLOWS.

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Taser birds are numerous and widely scattered. -

Terns of one kind or another are to be met with in
almost every part of the world, a few varieties only
frequenting the coasts of Britain. -All this family
have straight, slender, and pointed bills; the wings
are very long; the tail forked; and the legs small.
Their power of flight is amazing, continuing long on
the wing, and rising and sinking in the air with
quick and circling evolutions. Gliding along the
surface of the water, they are one moment snapping

at an insect, and the next darting down upon their’
finny prey. They not merely traverse the shores,

but are also to be met with hundreds of miles out at
sea. They appear more restless than usual during
the breeding season, incessantly uttering their loud
and dissonant screamings.

The Common Tern, Great Tern, or Sra Swat-
Low (Sterna Hirundo), is about fourteen inches long,
but scarcely weighs a quarter of a pound. The bill
is crimson, tipped with black; the head is capped
with black, extending over the eyes; the throat,
neck, and under parts are white; the tail is also

white, excepting the two outer feathers, which are

black. The upper part of the plumage is a fine pale
lead colour; the quill feathers being somewhat
darker; the legs and feet are red.

The female tern makes no nest, simply scratching
a hole in the sand, where she deposits two or three
eggs, which vary much in colour. She sits on the
eges during the night, but in the day es are left

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SCRIPTURKE NATURAL RISTORY.

to the influence of the sun, excepting in rainy and

‘dull weather. At this season the parent birds are

more than usually clamorous, especially on the ap-
proach of an intruder, whom they will defy by flying
so near as to touch the unwelcome party.

In Great Britain terns are strictly migratory birds,
arriving in the spring, and disappearing in the
autumn. ‘Their range is thought to extend from the
Arctic Circle to the Mediterranean, and even to the

coasts of Africa and India, whither they probably

retire during our winter.

The Arctic Tern, or Noppy (Sterna Stolida), is
somewhat smaller than the common tern, and its
habits very similar. The bill and feet are black ; the
forehead is white ; between the bill and the eye there
is a deep black patch; the throat and cheeks are a
greyish-brown; the other parts of the plumage cho-
colate-brown.

Noddies, in the equatorial regions, are seen hun-
dreds of leagues from land, committing themselves
to the mercy of the waves, or, in case of need,
betaking themselves to ships at sea, where, from
stupidity or exhaustion, they may be taken by the
sailors with the hand. They are habitual fish-eaters,
following, in their rapid flight, the course of the
timid and tumultuous shoals, which are known by
a rippling and silvery whiteness in the water, the
air at the same time resounding with the clangour of
their voices.

Unlike other terns, the noddies build a large nest
of twigs and dry grass in bushes, or on low trees. The
eggs are three in number, of a reddish-yellow, with
purple spots.
- 164



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THE PELICAN.


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THE PELICAN.

The head-quarters of these birds are the Gulf o1
Mexico, the coasts of Florida, and the Bahama
Islands. - «

Noddies have sometimes arrived opportunely to
persons wrecked, or in peril at sea. Of this Captain
Bligh’s narrative affords an illustration, in his boat
voyage, after quitting the ship Bounty. In Lord
Byron’s magic lines on the fate of Pedrillo, the noddy
is also referred to.

“ Of poor Pedrillo something still remain’d,
But was used sparingly—some were afraid,
And others still their appetites constrained,
Or but at times a little supper made;
All except Juan, who throughout abstain’d,
Chewing a Hise of bamboo, and some lead:
At length they caught two boobies, and a NODDY,
And then they left off eating the dead body.”
Don Juan, Canto I,



CLASS II.—AVES, OR BIRDS.] [ORDER V.—PALMIPEDES, OR
WEB-FOOTED BIRDS.

DIVISION III.—TOTIPALMES, OR BIRDS ENTIRELY WEB-FOOTED.
THE PELICAN.
Hes. Kaath.—(Pelicanus onocrotalus.)—Ena. The Vomiter.

“ Tam like a PELICAN of the wilderness.” —PSALM, cii., 6.

“Tar history of this extraordinary bird was formerly

enveloped in fable: now that its habits have become

known, we can but admire the wisdom of that pecu-

liar organization which is so well adapted to the

exigencies of this bird. Though a water-bird, its
165 :

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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY,

capacious pouch seems to have been given to enable
it to leave its natural element for a considerable

_ time, without either risking its,own personal safety,

or that of its young.
Pelicans, though their wings are only of moderate
length, are notwithstanding swift flyers, living for

| the most part on the water, and not approaching

land, excepting for the purpose of incubation. The
bill is long, and armed at the end with a hook, the
width of the gape being very great... The face
generally is bare, and the skin of the throat so ex-
pansible as to hang. down forming a bag or pouch,
enabling the bird to swallow fish of a very large
size. The feet are strong and short; the four toes
being all united by a membrane. The plumage of
the pelican is a fine white, tinted with rose or sal-
mon-colour; the primaries and bastard wing are
black ; the crest and pendulous feathers are light
yellow; the naked space round the eyes is flesh-
coloured; the bill bluish at the base, and yellow-
ish and red at the tip; pouch yellow; eyes reddish-
brown; legs red. Their entire length from five to
six feet, being the largest of the genus. They are
believed to be remarkable for their longevity.

Fish forms the entire food of these birds, which
they capture in shallow inlets with great adroitness,
though they never pursue their prey by diving.

The white pelican makes a large nest on the

ground, about a foot and-a-half in diameter, formed:

of coarse reedy grass, and lined with that which is

finer. The female mostly: lays but two eggs, which

are pure white. Great care is taken of the nest-

lings by the parent birds. In feeding the young,
= 166




THE ADJUTANT.




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THE ADJUTANT. e

the under mandible is pressed against the neck and
breast, which assists the bird in disgorging the
contents of its capacious pouch into the throat of
its young: this practice gave rise to the absurd
fable that these birds feed their young with their
own blood. During the period of incubation the
male bird feeds the female in the same manner.

The habitat of the white pelican is in the eastern
parts of Europe, also in Asia and Africa.

THE ADJUTANT.
(Ardea gigantea.)

Tur ApJUuTANT, or gigantic crane, is a native of the
warmer parts of India, being common in Calcutta,
and its vicinity. Its length is more than seven feet,
and the wings when stretched out, measure, from
tip to tip, fourteen or fifteen feet. The upper parts
of the body are of an ash-grey colour; the under
parts white; the head and neck are covered with a
red callous skin, but without feathers. The bill is
very large, and thick at the base; the gape is like-
wise very wide. :

Although not ranged amongst birds of prey, the
adjutant is both voracious and carnivorous. A tor-
toise, nearly a foot long, and a large male black cat,
have been found entire in the capacious maw of these
cormorants. The adjutant is notwithstanding ex-
tremely useful in the countries which it inhabits,
devouring all the garbage of the town, together with

: 167





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SS EEE EE


SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY,

snakes, lizards, frogs, and other reptiles. This bird
has often been called the done-eater, from the fact of
its swallowing any bone which ‘its gullet will allow
to pass: every thing which the adjutant takes being
swallowed whole.

The general habits. of the adjutant so nearly re-
semble birds of the same species, already described,
that it is unnecessary to enlarge. ?

THE CORVORANT.

(Pelicanus corbo.)

OrnitHoLoaists draw but a dark portrait of the
corvorant, possessing as it does considerable ener-
gies, witha keen penetrating eye, and great vigour
of body; yet: being a wary plunderer, an unrelent-
ing tyrant, and an insatiable glutton: only inert,
when obliged to belch forth the fetid fumes of a
gorged stomach. Such is its nature.

This bird is from four to five feet long, and
weighs six or seven pounds. Its bill is hooked
and sharp, and of a dark horn-colour, the base of
the bill being very expansible, which enables the
bird to swallow prey apparently too large for the
throat; the eyes are green and staring; the crown
of the head black, the feathers being elongated
behind, so as to form a short crest; the throat and
belly, for the most part, are white; the upper parts
of a glossy blue-black; the shoulders and wing
coverts inclined to brown; the tail has fourteen stiff

168



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THE CORMORANT.


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THE CORVORANT.

dark feathers, always discoloured, as if dipped in
mud; the legs are strong, coarse, and black

Fish constitutes the entire food of corvorants,
among which they make terrible havoc; dropping
down upon:their prey from the greatest height, with
the rapidity of an arrow, and unerring certainty ;
when emerging they throw uy their prey into the
air with a kind of twirl, and dexterously catching it
head foremost, swallow it whole. This continues
till they become surfeited by repletion; when re-
tiring to the ledge of a projecting rock, they set the
rifle at defiance; but when overcome by drowsiness,
they are often taken by a net being thrown over
them.

The female makes her nest on the summit of rocks
near the sea, of sticks, weeds, and grass, laying four
or five eggs of a greenish-white colour.

These birds were formerly tamed,-and employed
for catching fish. They were brought to the water
hooded, having a leather thong fastened around their
necks, lest they should swallow down the fish.
The birds were thrown into the water, when pre-
sently diving under water, they pursued the fish with
wonderful swiftness. When caught, they rise to the
surface and swallow them, till each bird has swal-
lowed five or six fish; then their keepers call them
to the fist, when the birds disgorge the fish only a
little bruised. Fishing being done, the thong is
removed from their neck, and they are rewarded
with a part of the prey which they have caught.

The range of the corvorants extends over North-
ern Europe: they are not uncommon on our own
coasts.





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THE GANNET, OR BOOBY.

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(Pelicanus bassanus.) j |
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Tux bill of this bird is long and stout, the edges
being serrated; the wings long; tail conical, and
composed of twelve feathers; legs short, and placed
far behind. The top of the head is yellow; the bill
bluish; the eyes blue; the general plumage milk-
white, excepting the quills of the bastard wing, which
are black; the legs and feet are white, with pea-
green stripes. The entire length nearly a yard.
. They chiefly haunt the northern parts of the Old
and New Ccntinents, and are found in great num-
bers on the islands of St. Kilda, Orkney, Shetland,
&c., where they arrive about March, leaving in Sep-
tember. Some appear to remain permanently with
us. Bass Island, in the Firth of Forth, during the
months of May and June, is covered with their nests,
eggs, and young, so that it is scarcely possible to
walk without treading on them. The sea all around
is covered with them, and when they rise, they over-
shadow like clouds. The inhabitants of St. Kilda
annually destroy upwards of twenty-two thousand
young birds, besides an immense quantity of eggs,
‘which at this time are always consumed. The Gan-
net rock, in the Bay of St. Lawrence, on the eighth
of June, when visited by Audubon, was covered with
innumerable gannets upon their eggs, so closely
arranged as to give the appearance of a huge mass of
snow, while the hovering crowds of birds presented,
at a distance, the appearance of a snow storm.
The term booby appears scarcely applicable to the
170

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THE MERLIN AND HOBBY,






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THE AMERICAN DARTER.

northern gannets; their habits, and struggles for
liberty, proving that the self-preserving principle is
as strong with’ them as with other birds. To the
gannets of warmer climates the appellation may be
appropriate, since they will calmly wait to be knocked
on the head, as they sit on shore; or perching on the
yard of a ship, will allow the sailors to take them off
with their hands.

The American Darter, or Snake-Birp. This
bird is a singular‘variety of the pelican family. It is
found in the Carolinas, Georgia, the Floridas, and
Brazil. In length this bird is: more than a yard;
its bill long, slender, sharp-pointed, and armed with
numerous sharp teeth towards the tip, black above
and yellow below; a bare yellow space round the
eyes and the chin-pouch; the eyes red; the neck
very long; the head, neck, and general plumage,
black, glossed with green, singularly varied with dull
white spots; the scraggy crest is brownish; the
wings long and pointed; the tail long, rounded, and
curiously crimped; feet very short, the four toes of
which are united by a membrane of great breadth.

These birds sit in small communities on the dry
limbs of trees, overhanging the still waters, with
their wings and tails expanded. On the approach of
danger, they drop into the water as if dead, and for
a minute or two are not to be seen, when, at a great
distance, their long slender head and neck appear,
like a snake rising erect out of the water; no other
part of them is to be seen, when swimming, excepting
sometimes the end of their tail. They are strong on
the wing, soaring to an immense height.

The female makes her nest of sticks, building in a

Me 173

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. SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

tree of thes swamps, and laying two eggs, of a sky-
blue. colour.

THE TROPIC BIRD.
(Phaeton phanicurus.) >

Tue bill of this bird is’ stout, [ edged, and
pointed ; nostrils covered by a‘naked membrane ; ;
wings long; legs very short, with all the toes con-
nected ; tail short, but the ‘two filamentous middle
feathers very long. The plumage‘of a roseate flesh-
colour; the bill and long feathers of the tail red;
the legs black. The length of the bird to the end of
the tail feathers, about a yard.

These birds inhabit the South seas, and, from
announcing an approach to the tropics, are well
known to navigators. They are capable of supporting
long flights, and of reposing on the water, feeding on
the flying and other-fishes that approach the surface.
They have the credit, also, of being enemies to the
boobies, which they chase, and compel to disgorge
whatever prey they may have recently swallowed. In
common with all this family, their gait on the ground
is but awkward, on which, in fact, they seldom
alight, excepting at a particular season. On the
wing they glide through the air, or along the aie
with grace and agility.

Tropic birds breed on desert and naeeoremed
rocky islands, laying usually two eggs.

172



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ON ae oooOY

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TROPIC BIRD.






THE SWAN




in some minor respects different, yet, from external

;- sides with transverse serrated lamell; nostrils ob-



CLASS Il.—AVES, OR BIRDS. ] [ORDER VI.—PALMIPEDES, OR
: WEB-FOOTED BIRDS,

DIVISION IV.—LAMELLIROSTRES, OR TOOTH-BILLED BIRDS.

SWANS.

“ And these are they which ye shall have tn abomination among :

the fowls :——the 8WAN.” —LEVITICUS, xi., 18, 18.

Swans are extensively scattered over the northern
regions of Europe, Asia, and America; and, though

appearance, their identity cannot be mistaken. The
generic characters of swans are, a bill of equal breadth
throughout; higher than wide at the base; depressed
at the point; both mandibles: furnished along the

long, near the middle of the bill; the neck slender,
and very long; legs short, with the hinder toe free.
The colour pure white, with sometimes a buff: tinge
on the top of the head; the bill black, but yellowish
at the base; the eyes brown, and the feet black.
Length about five feet; from one extremity of the.
wing to the other, eight feet. .

The Wiip Swan, or Cygnus ferus, utters a note
resembling the word hoop, hoop, which the peculiar
construction of the trachea, or windpipe, enables it
to do, especially when flying. This bird is, in all
probability, the swan so much celebrated by the an-
cient poets for its dying song. a

The wild swans, in common with the whole of the
genus, liye chiefly on aquatic vegetable substances.
They have the capability of kéeping their heads for a

173












See
SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.



considerable time under water, in search of food, but
are never known to-dive. si

Their nests are large, and ‘constructed on the
ground with dry flags, rushes, and grass. ‘The females
lay six or seven whitish eggs, tinged with green.
The young, for some time, are very unlike their
parents, being covered with a greyish-coloured down.
The nursing powers of the mother are not of the first
order.

The geographical distribution of these birds is ex-
pansive, being found alike in the northern regions of
Europe, Asia, and America. Many of them reside
within the Arctic Circle during the summer, but pass
the winter in Italy, Barbary, Egypt, and’as far east-
erly as Japan. To the British islands they are but
winter visitors, although they sometimes breed in the
Shetland and Orkney islands, and in Sutherlandshire.

The Tame or Murr Swan differs but little: from
that just described. The structure of the trachea, or
windpipe, is more simple, but the large black tubercle
at the base of the bill is its chief external distinction.
This elegant inhabitant of our lakes and rivers re-
quires no description, being so well known.

The swans in the Thames belong to the Queen
and two of the City companies, the Vintners and the
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Dyers. Although an annual swan-hopping, or the
catching and taking up of the swans and cygnets to
be marked, is continued by the two companies just _
named, in company with the royal swanherd’s man,
as far as Henley, the swans, notwithstanding, on that
river are obviously on the decrease. Each family of
swans on the river has its own district, and should (|
the limits be encroached upon by other swans, an ||
174 (

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THE BLACK SWAN.


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‘SWANS.

immediate pursuit takes. place, ana the mtruders are
driven away. In other respects, they appear to be
quiet and unoffending birds, but in the event of
their being put upon their mettle*by an attack, they

ne ee
fe
will make a furious, and even a dangerous defence, a

flap with their powerful wing having been known to

break a man’s leg.

The Brack Swan, orCygnus atratus, is an extra-
ordinary variety. Little did the Roman satirist,
Juvenal, suspect that a black swan would ever adorn
our lakessand canals, when he wrote, “ Rara avis in
terris nigroque simillima cygno.”

These birds were first noticed by Vlaming, a
Dutch navigator, who, in 1697, sailed forty or fifty



miles up Swan River, Western Australia, in a boat




i.

The enterprising Captain Flinders explored ‘this coa sb
in 1802, and found black swans in immense flocks, —
in the estuaries of the Tamar and the Derwent. Of
these flocks Captain Flinders observes, “From one-
fifth to one-tenth were unable to fly; they cannot
dive, but have a method of immerging so deeply in
the water, as to render their bodies nearly invisible,
and thus frequently avoid detection. “In chase, their
plan was to gain the wind upon our little boat, and
they generally succeeded when the breeze was strong,
and sometimes escaped from our shot also.”

These birds are quite black, excepting a few of the
quill feathers, which are white; the bill bright red
above, but crossed by a whitish-band; the legs and
feet ash-colour; the eyes red. In size they are
somewhat smaller than the other swans. Their plain-
tive note is rather pleasing, :

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GEESE.

Tax birds which compose this numerous family are
scattered throughout the world, differing in size and
appearance, yet retaining obvious indications of the
genus to which they belong. Their flesh has ever
been regarded as one of the delicacies of our table.
To them we are indebted for’a soft and warm bed at
night, and the poor scholar, especially prior to the
introduction of steel pens, was under great obligations
to goose-quills, as a means of enabling him to com-
mit his thoughts to paper.

Geese have been, partially atleast, in bondage to
sman from time immemorial. The following marks
a impressed upon the whole family :—Bill strong,
straight; and covered by a thin skin; the edges of
both. mandibles having flat lamellated teeth ; the
nostrils almost at the surface of the bill, at some dis-
_tance from the base; the legs short, and feathered
to the knee; the three fore-toes only webbed. They
all: fly with ease and gracefulness, feeding either on
fish, vegetables, or grain. Some are divers, others
not, excepting in cases of emergency. Many are
found in fresh water, others in salt. Most of them,
in common with birds generally, moult twice a-year,
namely, in June and November.

The Lag, or Witp Goossz (Anas anser), the original
stock of our tame geese, must first be noticed. Their
plumage is cinereous above;:pale beneath; the bill
yellow ;*length of the bird nearly a yard, and their ))
weight about ten pounds. Those that visit us inhabit

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the eastern and central parts of Europe, though also
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THE COMMON AND CANADIAN GOOSE.
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GEESE.

\
scattered throughout the world. They migrate
toward the north in spring, returning southerly in
the autumn; some, however, continue permanently
with us. These birds fly in companies of from fifty
to a hundred, and at very great heights; yet such is
the clamour ‘which they make, that they may often i
be heard when not visible to the sight. It has been
noticed that they fly in some geometrical figure, ('
which is ever varying, from the fact that the fore- |
most bird falls into the rear, the next in succession (
occupying its place. During these flights they never ((
alight but for the purposes of rest.

Those that breed in this country make their nests
in marshy places, and on the ground. (
The predominant colours of the Tamz Goose are \

) white and grey: the males, or ganders, are usually }

) pure white. The weight of these birds varies from }

} nine to fifteen, or even to twenty pounds. Formerly !

} they were driven to London in droves, a practice )

| now nearly discontinued. Zhe Saint James’ Chronicle, (
of September 2nd, 1783, notices, that a drove of about (

) nine thousand geese passed through Chelmsford on (

) their way to London, from Suffolk. Tame geese ‘

are still bred in vast multitudes, in different parts

of the country. A single person has frequently a

thousand old geese, each of which will rear, on an

) average, seven goslings. In Scotland, and probably }

) in England also, these birds, during the breeding (

}) season, lodge in the same house with the inhabitants, (

| their very bed-chambers being so occupied: in every {

/ apartment are three rows of coarse wicker pens, (

) placed one above another; each bird has its separate

‘ lodge. Twice ‘during the day they are driven to

; Vox. II, 2A 177

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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

water, and then brought back to their respective
nests, those living in the upper stories being helped to
resume their places. The tame goose is reputedly very
_ long-lived; this perhaps is somewhat problematical,
since the breeders of these birds take care that the
superannuated geese and ganders, having become un-
commonly tough and dry, shall be sent off as a
treat for the novices of London: such birds, are, in
the trade, technically called cagmags.

The poor geese are regularly plucked five times in
a year; the first plucking is about Lady-day, for
feathers and quills; and the same is renewed four
times more between that and Michaelmas, for
feathers only. The old geese, (nature having kindly
assisted them by a thickening of the skin,) submit
quietly to the operation, but the young ones are
very noisy and unruly. If the season prove cold,
numbers of the geese die by this barbarous custom.

‘The wakefulness of the goose is proverbial. Not
the least, or most distant noise, during the night,
can be made without rousing the geese, who instantly
begin their cackling ; and on the nearer approach of
apprehended danger, they set up their more shrill
and clamorous cries. They once saved Rome from
the attempts of the Gauls; and have ever been
esteemed the most vigilant of all sentinels.

Passing by the numercus varieties of this genus—
the Swan goose, the Canada goose, the Egyptian goose,
the Siberian goose, the Bernacle goose, the Bean goose,
the Brent goose, and the Snow goose, we content our-
selves with a brief notice of the Cerrorsis Goosz,
or Cereopsis nove Hollandine. This bird, in size,
equals the common goose. The membrane or web


Nr

GEESE,

of the feet, scarcely reaches beyond half the length
of the toes, which are armed with long and strong
nails. There is a broad patch on the top of the
head of a dull white colour, the rest of the plumage
being of a dingy grey; the wing coverts are marked ~
with round dusky spots, such spots being much
larger on the back and shoulders ; the bill is yellow,
tipped with black ; the eyes hazel; the legs orange ;
the toes, web, and nails, black. They are natives of
Australia.

The general habits of the cereopsis do not differ
from the wild geese of the northern hemisphere.
They perform at least a partial migration, although
they are believed not to continue in the interior,
but remain near the coast. The crew of Captain
Flinders procured a considerable number of these
birds, both at Lucky Bay and Goose Island, by
knocking them down with sticks. They were pro-
nounced well-flavoured, the Captain remarking that,
on Preservation Island, they formed the best repast
of his men. Their average weight is about seven.

‘ pounds. They feed on grass; but rarely take to

the water, The voice of the cereopsis is deep and
hoarse.

Specimens of this variety have been brought to
this country, and formed part of the extensive col-
lection kept by his late Majesty, William IV., in
Windsor Great Park. They were perfectiy tame,
resembling other geese in behaviour, and there also -
they bred. On the demise of his Majesty, they
were transferred to the Zoological Society.

Ser Se ah

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DUCKS.

(
Ir the family last noticed be numerous, that upon (
which we are now entering is still more so, ducks (
being found in all countries, inhabiting the waters, (
whether fresh or salt ; they are also of various sizes, (
much diversified in colour. (

The Wiip Ducx, or Anas boschas, may be con-
sidered as the type of the first division, or non-divers.
All of this division have the following characters in (
common :—Considerable length of neck; the wings
long, reaching to the end of the tail; the hind toe (
free, having no web. They frequent fresh water, (
but pass much of their time on land, feeding in (
ditches, and about the shallow edges of pools, on (
aquatic plants, insects, worms, and fish; taking (
their food at or near the surface; possessing also (
considerable power of flight; but seldom diving, (
unless pursued. These characters arise from an (
internal uniformity of structure. In the bills of (
ducks alone do we find a breadth considerably
dilated, and of a texture unusually soft : in addition,
their cutting margins are provided with numerous
transverse lamellar plaits, forming a sensible and elon-
gated palate. The offensive matter taken into the i
mouth, is by this means tested and ejected. The ))
mouthful of stuff, brought perhaps from the bottom, ?)
is sifted, and the nutritious part alone retained. ()
The tongue also is materially employed in this pro-
cess, being unlike that of other birds: it is remark- )
ably large, thick, and fleshy. )

Tue Matiarp, or Common Witp Duc, has a \

. 180 )

—
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Te

CT I ET

DUCKS.

bill of a yellowish-green colour; the head and upper
part of the neck are a glossy changeable green, ter-
minated by an encircling white collar ; the wings are
brown, and prettily crossed; the beauty-spot.of a
rich glossy purple, with violet reflections, bordered
by a double streak of black and white, which crosses
the wing when closed, in a transverse oblique diree-
tion; the belly pale grey, delicately pencilled; the
lower part of the back, and middle tail feathers are
black ; the legs, toes, and webs, are red. The female
ue the beauty-spot, but in other respects is a plain
ird,

The female constructs her nest in sequestered
morasses or bogs, laying from ten to sixteen greenish-
white eggs. To her unfledged brood, she may, for a
duck, be pronounced an attentive mother, leading
them from one pool to another for about three

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months, when they are able to shift for themselves.

They arrive in Great Britain at the beginning of
winter, in large flocks ; most of them retiring north-
ward in the spring to breed. Many straggling
pairs stay with us throughout the year.

Se

( Immense numbers of these birds are caught. with
decoys, from the latter end of October till February,
the season allowed by act of parliament. “ These
decoys,” says Bewick, “ are formed by cutting taper-
ing ditches, widened and deepened as they approach

( the water, in various semicircular directions, through

the swampy ground, into particular large pools,
which are sheltered by surrounding trees or bushes,

| and situated commonly in the midst of the solitary

‘ marsh. At the narrow points of these ditches or }}
cuttings, farthest from the pool, by which they are

181

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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY. /

filled with water, the fowlers place their funnel-nests :
from these the ditch is covered by a continued arch
of netting, supported by hoops to the desired dis-
tance; and all along both sides, screens formed of
reeds are set up, so as to prevent the possibility
of the birds seeing the decoy-man; and as these
birds feed during the night, all is ready prepared
for this sport in the evening. The fowler, then,
placed on the leeward side, sometimes with the help
of his well-trained dog, but always by that of his
better-trained tame decoy-ducks, begins the business
of destruction. The latter, directed by his well-
known whistle, are excited forward by the floating
hempseed, which he strews occasionally upon the
water, to entice all the wild ducks after them under
the netting; and so soon as this is perceived, the
man or his dog is from the rear exposed to the
view of the birds, by which they are so alarmed that
they dare not offer to return, and are prevented by
the nets from escaping upwards: they, therefore, press
forward in the utmost confusion to the end of the
ditch, where funnel or purse-nets are prepared to
receive them.” In this manner thousands of these
birds are captured, and sent to London, and else-
where. ‘

Our Tame Dvucxs, which are of all colours, are
doubtless derived from the Mallard. Of all the
common sorts, perhaps the Aylesbury duck best
deserves notice. It is a large bird, quite white,
with a silvery bill. The town of Aylesbury, and its
neighbourhood, have long been famous for rearing
these birds. The eggs are hatched within donrs, {!
about Christmas, when every nook and corner of |
182

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- oe
ON OL Oe


DUCKS.

the breeder’s house, even under the beds, are occu-
pied by baskets or tubs, containing usually thirteen
‘ eggs, which are sat upon by hens. The poor hens,
willing or unwilling, are placed on the eggs, and by
being covered, however reluctant at first, they ul-
timately settle down to the work of incubation.
The moment the ducklings are hatched, the hen is
suffered to go at large, her brood being put into a
pen, containing from twenty to fifty young ones.
They are at first fed on soft food, as bread and
milk, and afterwards with grain, chiefly oats: they
are also supplied with water, but are never suffered

~—————

to enter it. In this manner they soon become fat,
being ready for market by about Lady-day, when
they are much in request for the table, and fetch a
good price.

The Wipceron, or Anas Penelope, ranges among
the true ducks. It measures about twenty inches,
and weighs, on an average, a pound and-a-half.
The bill is lead-colour, tipped with black ; the crown
of the head is high, and of a cream-colour, with a
small spot of the same under each eye; the rest of
the head, neck, and breast, are bright chestnut with
black spots ; the belly is white ; the speculum of the
wing consists of three bands, the middle one green,
the lateral, deep black; the feet of a dingy lead colour.

The female is smaller and much plainer than the
male: after the breeding season the male loses his
gayer plumage, and very nearly resembles his mate.
The young are all grey when hatched, and continue
so until February.

Wigeons quit their desert retreats of the north on
the approach of winter, and spread themselves over

183

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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

the marshes and lakes of Southern Europe. In }
March, adorned in their bridal attire, they migrate
northerly for the purpose of incubation.
‘These birds fly in flocks, during the night, and /
may be known when on the wing from other birds (
by a whistling note. |
The Summer Duck, or Anas sponsa, though in-
ferior in size to other birds of this family, possesses {
a compactness of form, with exquisite beauty of (
plumage. i
The head above, and space between the eye and (
bill, glossy dark green ; cheeks, and a large patch on
the sides of the throat purple, with blue reflections ; :



pendent occipital, crest of green and purple, marked
with two narrow white lines, one of them terminat-
ing behind the eye, the other extending over the
eye to the bill; sides of the neck purplish red,
changing on the front of the neck and sides of the
breast to brown, and there spotted with white.
Scapulars, wings, and tail, exhibiting a play of duck-
green, purple, blue, and velvet-black colours: the
chin, throat, a crescent round the neck, and belly;
white; the tips of the long feathers barred with |
white and black; the inner wing-coverts white,
barred with brown; the bill is red, but the tip,
( margins, and lower mandible black ; the legs, orange- )
colour. All the plumage of this beautiful bird (
|
/
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t

shows a play of colours with metallic lustre. This
description refers alone to the male, the female being
of a brown plain colour. i

This species ranges over the whole of the United
States, making only a partial migration, and con-
fining itself to fresh-water lakes, and ponds.

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BUCKS.

The summer duck is remarkable for building its
nest in the hole of a decayed tree; resorting to the
same locality from year to year: they build on the
branches of a tree, and never on the ground.

‘Though very shy birds, they partially forget this

during the season of love, often resorting very near
to the habitation of man for the purpose of incuba-
tion. The eggs, which in number range from six to
fifteen, are carefully covered up when left by the
parent bird: the nest being amply lined with
feathers supplied chiefly from the breast of the
mother, although feathers of other species of birds
are always found. In the event of the nest not
being far from the ground, the young ones almost
so soon as hatched throw themselves on the ground
and take to the water, but if the height be too great,
the mother takes the young one by one in her bill
by the wing, and carries them to the water, return-
ing them to the nest in a similar way.

These birds breed readily in captivity, several
broods having been reared in the Zoological Gar-
dens, Regent’s Park ; and we believe also within the
enclosure of St. James’s Park.

The Tat, or Anas crecca, is the last of this

family which we can notice. It is only about four-

teen inches long; the head, cheeks, and back, chest-
nut-red ; a broad green band extends from the eyes
to the nape; the lower part of the neck, back,
scapulars, and flanks, striped with black and white
zigzag lines; breast reddish, with round spots; the
belly yellowish-white; speculum of the wing half
white and half black, edged with two white bands;
the bill dusky.
VOL. II. 2B 185

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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

This beautiful bird is common in England during
the winter months; some of them probably remain-
ing throughout the year to breed. They are also
widely scattered over Europe.

The female, a plain bird as compared with her
mate, makes a large nest on the ground, in some
retired reedy site near the water. The eggs are dull
white, spotted with brown, and six or seven in
number.

Teals are caught in great numbers, being highly
esteemed for the table.



DUCKS.

DIVISION II.——-DIVEBS.

'us general characteristic of this division of true
ducks will be found somewhat opposite to those just
described. ‘The neck and wings are short; the toes
short and compressed; they frequent the sea, or the
deep parts of fresh-water lakes ; are seldom seen on
land, their walk being embarrassed from the back-
ward. position of their legs ; but they dive constantly
and with great facility, taking their prey below the
surface ; their food consists of finned and shell-fish,
and on marine insects; their power of flight is only
moderate.

The Gorpen Eyz, or Anas clangula, is seven-

‘teen inches in length, weighing about two pounds.

It is a handsome sprightly bird, having a very
short bill, the base broader than the tip; the
186

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back, rump, and part of the scapulars deep black ;
coverts of the wings; and under parts, white ; the tail
cinereous ; the eyes brilliant yellow; the legs are
short, and of a reddish-yellow, with large flatted
webs of a dusky colour.

These birds frequent fresh water, as well as the
sea; they are excellent divers, and seldom set foot
on the shore, excepting during the breeding season,
or for rest : from the peculiar structure of their feet
and legs, they appear to walk with some difficulty.
They leave this country late in the spring; are never
found in large flocks, or very numerous in Great
Britain.

Their special habitat is the Arctic regions.

The Turrep Duck, or Anas fuligula, is the last of
this family which we propose to notice. This bird
is the very prince of divers, proofs of which may be
seen any fine day within the enclosure of St. James’s
Park, where the tufted duck is wont to display its
talent for diving, and keeping under water for a
considerable time. The size, weight, and general
habits, are the same as those of the golden eye just
described. It is a native of the Arctic regions,

The male is distinguished by a pendent crest, over-
hanging the nape of the neck, two inches in length :
the bill is broad, and of a dark colour: the eyes
deep orange; the head black, glossed with purple ;
the neck, breast, and all the upper parts are a brown
black; the wings are crossed by a narrow white bar ;
the belly, sides, and under coverts of the wings, are
pure white; the legs a dark lead" colour; the webs
are black.



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GOOSANDERS,

Tue generic characters of this sub-family of geese
and ducks are as follow: a bill straight, narrow,
and slender, wide at the base, and abruptly hooked
at the tip; the margins of both mandibles serrated
backward; the tongue slender; feet short, with full
palmated toes. They are constantly on the water,
almost submerged; often ‘dive and with great
facility, remaining long under water: they are
strong on the wing, and fly very swift.

The Goosanper, or Mergus Merganser, measures
about two feet, and averages four pounds in weight.
The large and thick tuft on the head, and part of
the neck, are greenish-black, with varying reflec-
tions ; the lower part of the neck, breast, belly, and
coverts of the wings, of a yellowish rose-colour ;
the upper part of the back and scapulars, deep black ;
the rest of. the back, and tail, ash-coloured; the
beauty-spot on the wing, white; bill red, with black
tip ;' eyes reddish-brown ; feet red.

From the security with which the bird holds its
prey between its toothy mandibles, it is often called
the Jack-saw. Fish is its principal food.

- The nest is built in bushes of hollow trees, on the
banks of rivers ; the female laying twelve or fourteen
whitish eggs.

The flesh of this bird is rank and bad : according
to the old French poet :— :

6“



qui vauldroit festoyer un diable, |
Vauldroit un Bieure avoir pour son manger.”
“ He who would regale the devil may
Serve him with a Goosander.”

188

oe er eee
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|

(
(
(
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THE EGRET.


THE GREAT EGRET.

|
| |
The northern regions of Europe and America are (
the habitat of the goosander. ;
| The Smew, or Waite Nun (Mergus albellus) is
another singular variety of the goosander family. It
is about the size of a wigeon; the bill is a dusky-
'( blue; the eyes are dark; on each side of the head,
(( from the mouth over the eyes, is an oval-shaped black
patch, glossed with green; the other parts of the
| head and neck ruddy ; the breast, belly, and vent, are
\( white; the back and wings are black and white; the
\| tail is ash-colour; the legs and feet, lead-colour. (
( The smew inhabits the arctic regions of Europe (| |
and America. |
(
/
|

THE GREAT EGRET.

(Ardea egretta.)

Tux plumage of the Egret is pure white; a pendant
crest is on the head; some long feathers on the
back, with short shafts, and loose slender webs;
the legs, long slender, and black; the claws very
long. Its entire length rather more than a yard.
These birds perch, and’ build their nests on high
trees ; and feed on frogs, eels, and fish. )
The egret is found in almost every climate, and }
|

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was formerly plentiful in Great Britain. }
(This beautiful bird should have ranged with
the herons, p. 187.]

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189

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FISH.

ON FISH IN GENERAL.

So large a portion of the earth being covered with
water, it seems natural to infer that this element
should be stocked with animals adapted to such a
medium. Accordingly we find that the waters,
whether fresh or salt, are everywhere abundantly
stocked with fish, and other aqueous creatures, many
of which exceed in bulk the largest terrestrial
animals; while others are so minute, as effectually
to escape our notice, but for the aid of the micro-
scope.

The correct definition of fishes is, that they are
vertebrated animals with cold red blood, respiring by
gills, or branchie, and moving in the water by the aid

of fins

The form of fishes seems as admirably adapted.

for motion in water, as that of birds for flight in the
air. Suspended in a liquid of nearly the same
specific gravity as their own bodies, they do not
require extended members for their support. Their
general form is elongated, but thicker in the middle
than at the extremities; and the tail, the principal
instrument for their progressive movement, is always
long, and terminated by a vertical fin, capable of
expansion and contraction like a fan. The organs of
locomotion in fish assume the form of fins, of which
those called pectoral, from their situation on the
body, may be considered as analogous to the fore-
feet of quadrupeds; those placed further backwards,
190

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ON FISH IN GLNERAL,

called ventral fins, may represent the hind feet of
mammals. The vertical fins on the back are termed
dorsal fins; and those on the under surface of the
body anal fins; the fin by which the tail is terminated
being called the caudal fin. The membranes of
these fins are supported by rays or bands, more or
less numerous, and are either solid, bony, and of a
pointed form, and called spinous rays; or are com-
posed of a number of small joints, generally divided
into branches at their extremity, and called soft or
articulated rays.

Fish, generally speaking, have four fins or mem-
bers, yet subject to considerable variety ; some
families having only two, and others wanting them
altogether. 3

The greater part of fishes make their progressive
motion in the water by means of an expanded tail,
which, striking the water alternately from right to
left, impels them forward; and they change their
direction by striking more rapidly, or with greater
force on one side than another. The fins, which are
in pairs, besides aiding in progression, serve also to
maintain the equilibrium of fish in the water, and to
regulate the direction of their course.

Fishes, besides having their bodies admirably con-
structed for the fluid in which they move, have a

singular ‘apparatus, for rendering them specifically |

lighter or heavier than water, consisting of a mem-
braneous sac, or swimming bladder, placed under the
spine, and which, by compression or dilatation, en-
ables them to rise or sink in the water.

Living also in a fluid element, fishes are provided
with respiratory organs of a peculiar construction in

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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

their gills or branchie, which are placed on the sides
of the neck or head. The branchie are composed of
a great number of separate lamine, covered with

innumerable blood-vessels. The water which they: /

swallow passes between these lamine, and escapes

by the branchial openings. In its passage, the /
blood, which is sent from the heart to the gills, is (

acted upon by the air contained in the water. This
process is essential to the life of fishes, for if confined
only in a fine muslin bag, the result would soon be
fatal. The branchial openings, or gills, are covered
in some cases by a long moveable plate, termed the
operculum, or gill-cover; in others, by a simple
membrane, with one or more openings.

The vertebre, with the addition in most cases of
spinous processes, keep the body of the fish in a
vertical position. The head of fishes varies more in
form than in any other class of animals, which, not-
withstanding, is composed of the same number of
bones in them all. The brain is but feebly developed,
the cerebellum, or hinder brain, being the larger of
the two. Sensation, therefore, may be pronounced
to be weak throughout the whole class.

The senses of fishes are all very imperfect from
the same cause. The nostrils are simple cavities,
with /amine disposed in the interior, of a radicated
form ; but the olfactory nerves, or smelling, possess
but little power. The eyes have a very flat cornea,
with scarcely any aqueous humour; but the crystal-
line lens is almost globular, and very hard. The eyes
are also large in proportion to their size, and are
destitute of eye-lids. The sight, therefore, of fish,
excepting when very near the surface, must be

192



— ST.

ST

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i



ON FISH IN GENERAL,

imperfect. Neither can the hearing of fishes be
very acute, since they possess no external ear, and
the construction of the inner ear is of the simplest
form. The sense of taste in fishes must also be far
from delicate. Their tongues are often bony, and
furnished with teeth, or other hard covering ; they
are also destitute of salivary glands; and for the
most part swallow their food without mastication.
Lhe body of fishes being covered with scales, and
destitute of all organs of prehension, their sense of
touch must likewise be very imperfect.
The teeth of fishes present many varieties. Some
are without them altogether ; in others, the jaws are
so hard, that they form a kind of solid beak 3 in
others, the teeth are pointed, edged, or flat; while
in others, they are placed on the lips, the jaws, the

= ETE ee



palate, the tongue, the gullet, or on all these parts at (}
the same time. j
The sexes in fishes are generally found in separate
individuals. ‘The ova, or spawn, being impregnated
by the male after extrusion, the season of love can \
therefore hardly be said to exist, and the care of a \\
parent unknown, since the young are, from the )
earliest period, left unprotected. Internally, the })
male fish is known by the milt, or soft roe 3 and the })
female by the spawn, or hard roe, both of which )}}
occupy the same relative place in the body of the ')
)
}
)
)
)
:

equally regardless of their infant progeny.

The reproductive powers’ of fishes are truly
amazing. In the ovary of a single cod, 3,686,760.
ova, or eggs, have been counted; 1,357,400 in a
flounder; 86,960 in a herring; and 883,252 in a a

VOL. 11. 2¢ 198 \

a a ee est
ae arg TEE TOES > 2a
ee

animal. Some fishes are viviparous ; but all appear |








—



SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

tench.—(Phil. Trans., vol. lxvii.) M. Blach relates
that four male, and three female carp, being placed
in a pond of seven acres, the increase during one
season was found to be 110,000. But the astonish-
ing increase of fishes becomes modified in a variety
of ways; thus regulating the number produced to
the supply of food. Myriads of these ova form the
food of different species of fish ; myriads more of the
young are destroyed in an element where almost all
are destined to become the prey of one another, or
of aquatic birds, and reptiles. Notwithstanding
these deductions, fish form an important object of
commerce, as a supply of food, and hold out an
inexhaustible field for the enterprise of nations,
whose territories approach the sea. The fisheries of
Great Britain have never yet received that general
patronage which they demand.

Of the causes which prompt the annual migrations
of fishes on certain coasts, but little is known with
certainty. The probability is, that they are regu-
lated in these by the same causes which influence
birds; that is, a search after food, and proper places
for reproduction.

Of the comparative age of fishes it is difficult
to speak. Carp and pike have been known to reach
the age of more than two hundred years. It is
probable that those monsters of the deep—whales,
would arrive at an age still more considerable, if left
undisturbed.

Fishes are divided into two series, the Acanthop-
terygii, or bony fishes, and the Chondropterygii, or
cartilaginous fishes: in the former, the skeleton is
formed of true bone; while in the latter, it always

194





—

Se sil

~'




































































































































































SHAD AND PERCH.




So





THE PERCH,

remains in a state of cartilage, or gristle. The
osseous, or bony fishes, make three-fourths of all the
fishes known, and are the most perfectly wrought
type of the class.

Fish, though often mentioned in the Bible, yet no:
one particular kind is ever specified.



CLASS IIT.—PISCES, OR FISHES.] (SERIES I.—OSSEI, OR
BONY FISHES.

ORDER I.—ACANTIIOPTERYGII, OR PRICKLY-FINNED.

FAMILY I.—PERCOIDES.

THE PERCH.

Tus Common Percu (Perca fluvialis) is known to
most of our readers, and may be regarded as the
type of this family. Its body is oblong, and covered
with hard scales; the gills are spiny; and the jaws
and palate furnished with teeth. It is of a brownish-
olive colour; the first dorsal-fin a little longer than
the second; the other fins, and tail, are red. This
fish is found throughout nearly the whole of Europe,
in the larger rivers and lakes; but attains the
largest size in Russia. The average length is about
two fect, and from four to five pounds in weight.
A perch has been caught in the Serpentine River,
Hyde Park, which weighed nine pounds. The
perch is a rapid swimmer, and is generally found
near the surface. The female deposits her spawn in
the spring. Itis pre-eminently voracious, devouring
young and wéak fish, together with lizards, frogs
small snakes, and all kinds of aquatic insects;

oN ec ea EY SE Se ee

a a coat te ge eee ent ———_
— ee
a a Ne or a ra

a ee




SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.
gnats and flies are ever being pursued by it with
avidity. *
° The Pree Percn (Perca lucioperca) is a fine
variety, resembling both the pike and perch. Its

‘sides are silvery, and belly white; the pectoral fins

yellowish. It is found in northern Europe and
Asia, especially in the Danube, where it is sometimes
taken of twenty pounds weight. Its growth is very
rapid, where food abounds; but it is proverbially
voracious and gluttonous, Great numbers of these
fish are destroyed by water-fowl, who plunge after
them to the very depths of their favourite retreats.
The Sea Perc (Serranus hexagonatus), though
closely allied to the perch family, yet differs from
it in having only one dorsal fin, and the operculum
one or more angular projections. It is found in
the Mediterranean, and in the seas of temperate
and warm climates. The sca perch is a beautiful
fish, and in considerable repute.
~ The Rev Mutter (Mullus barbatus) deserves
notice, having had for ages the misfortune of being
known for its personal beauty and savoury qualities,
which excited human luxury, cruelty, and folly.
The Romans were ‘accustomed to enclose these fish
in vessels of crystal over a slow fire, and place them
on their tables, for the fiendlike pleasure of witness-
ing the lingering sufferings of their victims, as the
water gradually increased in heat. If Suetonius is
to be believed, 30,000 sesterces have been given
for three mullets. This fish is of a fine red colour
on the back, with a silvery belly. It is found in
all European seas.

196 | )



SEE eee eee EEE
————— =
oT

—~ >














FLYING FISH.

ee













ORDER I.—ACANTHOPTERYGII, OR PRICKLY-FINNED.



FAMILY II.—CEPHALOCANTHUS.
THE MAILED-CHEEKS.

Turis family contains a numerous series of fish, to
which the singular appearance of their head, variously
bristled, and covered with armour, gives a peculiar
physiognomy, and has caused them to be classed in
special genera, although much resembling the perch.

The Sappurrine Gurnarp (Trigla propria) may be
regarded as the type of this family. It is often seen
in our markets; is of a bluish colour, and common
in all European seas. Its length is about twelve or
fifteen inches. It is extremely voracious, feeding
chiefly on sea-snails. The gurnard comes into shoal
water about May or June, when its eggs are de-
posited,

Tue Fryinc Gurnarp (Trigla volitans) is an ex-
traordinary variety in thisfamily. These fish abound
in the Mediterranean, and in all the intertropical
seas, affording much pleasure to the spectator, by
their repeated flights at particular times, especially
on the approach of rough weather in the night ;
numbers of them may then be seen, by the phos-
phoric light which they emit, marking their arched
passages in apparent streams of fire. The pectoral
fins, by which the flying is effected, are longer than
their whole body, and are supported by articulated
rays, something like those of the wings of the bat.
This flight is by no means continuous, seldom

197







a ee



SS



SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY,

extending over a larger space than perhaps 120 feet ;
and often so elevated, that the fish will somctimes
( fall on the deck of a large vessel. Neither is it for (
their own pleasure, or amusement, that they quit
their natural element. Few creatures seem to be
beset with more enemies than the flying-fish, and
| which seek refuge in their temporary flight: if they (
thus escape one class of enemies, they frequently
(1 become victims to the sea-birds, which are hovering
over, and ready to pounce upon them. The flying-
fish feed on small shell marine animals, or mollusca,
whose covering they break by means of their obtuse |
teeth.

The Japan Maiitep-cuzEk (Monocentris Japanica)
forms a singular genus, having not only the cheek
mailed, but the entire body also, which is short and
thick, covered with enormous and rough scales.
Four or five thick spines stand in the place of the
first dorsal fin, and the ventrals are composed each of (
an enormous spine, in the angle of which are hidden




















some soft rays, almost imperceptible. The head is {
thick, and shielded. There are also eight rays to (
the gills. This extraordinary fish has hitherto been
found only in the seas of Japan.

To the same family must our StTicKLEBAcK (Gas-
terosteus) be referred, being the smallest of the fresh-
water fish, and nearly the most common. Its
name is derived from the long dorsal spines, and
osseous cuirass, with which the under part of its |
body is furnished. These fish are very numerous,

> especially in the fens of Lincolnshire. Their in- |

crease is rapid, although, from the large size of the

eggs, many cannot be laid at one time. They have |
198


—

Ig

os ae

ee See



Toe er

THE MAIGRE.

little to fear from other fish, being so completely
enwrapped with armour. Sticklebacks are extremely
agile, often leaping vertically more than a foot out
of water. Their voracity is excessive. Accordingly,
no fish should be extirpated from ponds with greater
care, from the injuries which they commit, although
their extirpation is often extremely difficult. They
are widely spread throughout Europe. In colour
they are not unlike a mackerel, the belly having
a hue of crimson.

ORDER I.—ACANTHOPTERYGII, OR PRICKLY-FINNED.

FAMILY III.—SCLENOIDES.

THE MAIGRE.

Tuts. family, besides their resemblance to the per-
coides, have their teeth different; some have two
dorsal fins; others, but one. The natatory bladder
is often peculiar; and the stones of the ear are
larger than in most fish.

The Maicre (Sciena aquila) is a fine fish, and
not uncommon in the Mediterranean and other seas.
It is sometimes, though but seldom, caught in the
British Channel; is of large size, many of them a
yard long; very strong, and considered good for the
table. ‘The body of this fish is of a silvery-grey
colour. When they swim in shoals, they send forth
a loud buzzing noise.

Allied to this family is the Jounius. a smal! fish,
199






SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

ee ace,
‘which the sea and rivers of India furnish to the
inhabitants. The flesh is white, light, and of little
flavour. The English at Bengal are accustomed,
from its appearance, to call it the whiting.

The Inpian AMPHIPRION (Amphiprion ephippuim)
is a variety of the same family. It is found chiefly
in the Indian seas, and is more remarkable for
brilliancy of colour than delicacy of flavour. The {
head of the amphiprion is short, much sloped and
compressed ; mouth small and oblique ; body red-
dish; the back black, extending on the sides into a
lar, ge black spot.

ORDER I.—ACANTHOPTERYGII, OR PRICKLY-FINNED.

THE SPARUS.

Tue Sparoides greatly resemble the last described ; |
but are distinguished by never having more than six
rays to the gills.

The Common Sparvs (Boops vulgaris) is an inhabi-
tant of the Mediterranean Sea. Its body is elongated,
and silvery-grey, banded length-wise with golden.
brown streaks; the under catting teeth dentated ;
the upper ones pointed. Several varieties of this
fish are to be met with in the American seas. They
rank among the few vegetarians of the sea, living
chiefly upon marine plants. They spawn twice a-
year, and approach the shore in large shoals.

The Osiapa (Sparus melanurus) is also a Mediter-

200

oo

a



Hi

1
La



———






ne EEE i

ee a ee
ST





THE MENA,

ranean fish. It is met with occasionally in the north
part of the Atlantic. It swims at moderate depths
along the coasts, during the whole year, and the
female may be seen occasionally pursued by the
male, swimming with great swiftness. The body of
this fish is silvery-grey, branded longitudinally with
brown, and marked with a black spot on each side
of the tail; the teeth in the middle are notched, the
lateral ones are fine, and pointed. It is a small fish,
averaging about six inches in length,



ORDER I.—ACANTHOPTERYGII, OR PRICKLY-FINNED.

FAMILY V.—M4NIDES.

THE MANA.

Tus family differs from the preceding, in the extreme
extensibility and retractibility of the upper jaw.

The Common Mana (Sparus mena) inhabits various
parts of the Mediterranean, and is taken at all times
of the year. The female spawns in July and August.
They are not esteemed for eating. In appearance
they resemble the herring, but are of a more silvery
colour.

The Kune-risner or Nice (Smaris alcedo) dif-
fers from the foregoing, chiefly in its body being
variegated with a beautiful blue colour. These fish
abound so much at Ivica, that they form more than
one-half of the total product of the fishery of that
island. Fish of this genus, though not much
esteemed for food when fresh, yet, after being salted

“DL. I. 2D 20

em



Se

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—:

pee

SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

and exposéd to the air, make a sort of garum, which
is in great request.

ORDER I.—ACANTHOPTERYGII, OR PRICKLY-FINNED.

FAMILY VI.—SQUAMMIPENNES.

THE SCALY-FINNED.

Tue fish included in the sixth family are known by
their hair-like teeth, collected in close rows like a
brush. The mouth is also small; the fins, both
dorsal and anal, completely covered with scales,
They are abundant in the seas of hot climates, and
are adorned with most beautiful colours. If the
hot countries of Africa and America have among
their feathered tribes their humming-birds and
tanagers, the intermediate seas support myriads of the
finny race, still more brilliant; whose scales reflect
the tints of metals and precious stones, heightened
m effect by spots and bands of a more sombre hue,
and distributed with a symmetry and variety equally
admirable, The Ornamentep Cua@ropon (Chetodon
ornatus) gives ample proof of this fact.

The Arcner (Toxotes jaculator) deserves notice,
from the peculiar instinctive ingenuity it possesses of
procuring wingcd insects by shooting at them with

‘drops of water. Although the mouth of this fish

does not seem to differ from that of its congeners,
yet it knows how to shoot drops of water to a great
height, three feet and upwards, and to reach, almost
without failing, the insects or other little animals
































THE ORNAMENTED CHATODON AND ANGLER.


JOHN DOREE ANG MACKEREL

ee

.












THE MACKEREL.

which creep on ‘the aquatic plants, or even those’
which grow upon the shore. The inhabitants of
many countries of India, especially the Chinese of.
Java, rear these fish to amuse themselves with their
manceuvres, and present them with ants or flies on
threads and sticks within their reach. This fish is
from six to eight inches long; the body of a yellow
colour, with brown spots on the back ; the first spines’
of the dorsal, anai, and ventral tins are very strong.

ORDER I.—ACANTHOPTERYGII, OR PRICKLY-FINNED,

FAMILY VII.—SCAMBEROIDES, -
THE MACKEREL.

Tue family of which we are about to treat is one of
the most useful to man, from their good flavour, -
inexhaustible reproduction, and periodical visits to
the same latitude. This species is distinguished
for its small scales, smooth body, and powerful cau-
* dal fin, making them excellent swimmers. -
.The Common Macxerzgx (Scomber scombrus) has
a blue back, with wavy black stripes, and five spu-
rious fins above and below. It abounds in sunimer
on our coasts, being then almost as numerous as
herrings. It is remarkable ‘that the mackerel has:
| no natatory bladder. Where the mackerel winters:
| is still a mystery. Certain it is, that in the Channel,
from the month of April, some small mackerel, and:
{ without milts, make their appearance ;. but it is only
in July and August, when obviously he migratory

=|






SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

{
. state, that they become numerous, fat, and well-
(

sea-fishes, measuring from two to ten feet in length.
The back is steel, colour, the sides and belly silvery,
with eight or nine spurious fins.

This fish was well known to fhe ancients, and for-
merly, as at present, the tunny fisheries were an
object of great commercial importance. The fish is
gregarious, and often appears in large shoals. Pliny
relates, that the fleet of Alexander the Great was
impeded ‘by a shoal of tunnies, so closely impacted,
that the ships had to make their way through them
in order of battle. They are occasionally taken. on
the British shores, and have been frequently seen in
the firths of the western coast of Scotland, in pur-
suit of herrings.

At the present time it is in Catalonia, Provence,
Liguria, Sicily, and Sardinia, that this fishery is most
actively carried on, and yields the most abundant
results. The tunnies show themselves in almost all
points of the Mediterranean Sea about the same time,
and without the possibility of saying that they pass
at first through certain tracts, and afterwards arrive
at others.

Tunnies are mostly taken in the following manner :
a sentinel is posted in an elevated situation, who, by

- a signal, gives notice that a shoal of tunnies are
approaching, and from what quarter they come, when
numerous boats set out under the command of a
chief, range themselves in a curve line, and form, by
joining their nets, an enclosure which terrifies the

. tunnies, and which is drawn closer and closer, by

if
! |
flavoured.
The Tunny (Scomber thynnus) is one of the largest ;
?


























































































































SWORDFISH AND REMORA.




eee en aa oo.
ll

THE SWORD-F1SH.
adding fresh nets within the first, so as always to
bring back the fish near the shore. When there
)



remain but a few fathoms of water, a large and final
net is spread, which has a sleeve, that is, a bottom
lengthened into a cone, and which is drawn towards
the land, thus bringing along with it all the tunnies.
The little ones are then taken out with the hand,
and the large ones also, after they have been killed
with poles. “This fishery, practised on the coasts of
Languedoc, sometimes yields at a single cast two or
three thousand quintals of these fish.

The Sworp-Fisa (Xiphias gladius) is found in
European seas, and in company with the tunny. The
snout of this fish is very long, often two or three feet,
flattened, edged, and hard enough to penetrate the
planks of ships ; its first dorsal fin is high and pointed
in front, sinking along the back, and terminated by
a smaller point; the anal fin has two short points ;
the tail lunated; the body of a brown colour, shaded
with slate-colour above, and silvery-white below.

(
(
(
(
(
(
(
(
|
(
:
(

a a a a NT TS OE NO”

The entire length from twelve to twenty feet.

The Mediterranean Sea seems to be the peculiar
habitat of the sword-fish, but it ascends considerably
to the north. It is sometimes to be seen on the
coasts of Spain, and occasionally on those of France.
It has likewise been seen in the German Ocean and
the Baltic—in the latter sea of enormous size. They
usually go in pairs, the male and female together.

The fishery of the xiphias is. precisely that of the
whale in miniature. It is attacked with a small har-
poon, attached to a long line, and frequently struck
at a considerable distance. The superstitious Sicilian
a ra chaunt a sort of hymn in Greek, to entice

205
a a ee on

ee —_—oorattS

Sl








SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

the fish to their boat, and which they believe of such
efficacy, that no other bait is employed. Should the
fish, however, they assert, unfortunately hear a. single
word in Italian, it would instantly dive into the
water, and be seen no more.

The flesh of the young is white, and of excellent
flavour.

The Sra Cock (Gallus egyptiacus) is a singular
variety. It has long filaments to the second dorsal
and anal fins. The ventral fins are also very much
prolonged, and the spines of the first are short.
Teeth are found in both jaws. The length of the fish
is from six to eight inches. It is an inhabitant of
the Indian seas.

The Dory (Zeus faber) has a large head and
mouth; the body of an orange colour, with a black
spot on each side; the spines along the dorsal and
anal fins are forked, with long membraneous filaments
behind each dorsal spine. Its appearance is not very
prepossessing, but it has the reputation of being ex-
quisite in flavour. Its length is about fifteen inches.
The dory inhabits the seas of Europe.

If it be true that the haddock bears the impress of
St. Peter’s finger and thumb, when he took the tri.
bute-money from. its mouth, it may also be believed
that St. Christopher, when wading through an arm
of the sea, and having caught a stray dory in his
passage, left indubitable evidence of the fact on its
sides, by the two opposite marks of a finger and
thumb. This fish owes its reputation in England to
the celebrated Quin, who, besides his histrionic
powers, possessed a most consummate taste in the
luxuries of the table.

——



eos

SS














































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































THE PIPE FISH AND SEA COCK.
DHE RIBAND FISH... |.

The Saru-srarer (Coryphena velifer) is the last
of the Scomberoides which we propose to notice.
Its body is long, but much compressed; the teeth
are in‘one row above and two below; scales large;
the dorsal and anal fins very elevated, and of equal
size; the fins are brown, with white spots.

‘This extraordinary fish inhabits the Pacific; the
Atlantic, and the Mediterranean seas. It is the
incessant persecutor of the flying-fish, forcing them
to shoot out of the water, and receiving them, as it
were, in its throat, the moment they fall back, after
their short passage in the air. It will sometimes
raise itself entirely out of water to seize a prey which
is on the point of escaping. The flesh, though dry,.
is of an agrecable flavour.

ORDER I.—ACANTHOPTERYGII, OR PRICKLY-FINNED. .

FAMILY VIII.—TENIOIDES.
THE RIBAND FISH.:

Tue fishes which compose this family have an elon-
gated body, flattened on the sides, and with very
small scales; the jaws are: pointed, with long and
curved teeth; the dorsal fin extending along the
whole body. They have no ventral or anal fins, the
tail terminating by aslender filament. The body of
the riband fish (Trichiwrus lepturus), is bright silvery ;
the lower jaw longer than the upper; its length
‘about a yard. It is found in’ the ee Ocean,

So


a rn re



ST



SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

| both on the coast of America and that of Africa.
| The lakes and rivers of South America also abound
with the same fish.
The Kine or tar Herrines (Gymnetrus fal) is
another variety in this strange family. Its body is
long and flat, being from ten to eighteen feet long,
\ but totally deprived of the anal fin ; the dorsal fin is
) long, the lengthened rays of which form a sort of
plume, but they are easily broken ; the ventrals are
also very long; the caudal, consisting only of very
\ few rays, rises vertically from the extremity of the
\ tail, which ends in a small hook. There are six rays
in the gills; the mouth is slightly cleft, is very pro-
tractile, and furnished with but few and small teeth.
\ These fishes are extremely soft, and their rays very
fragile. Some specimens, taken in the Mediterra-
! nean Sea, have had a hundred and fifty dorsal rays,
or even more. They are also found in the Arctic
Ocean, as well as in that of India. The gymnetrus
is said either to precede or accompany the shoals of
herrings, from which it has acquired the popular
name of King of the Herrings



ORDER I.—ACANTHOPTERYGII, OR PRICKLY-FINNED.

FAMILY IX.—THEUTYES.

THE SPINE FISH.



)

‘| Tuts family are all foreign, inhabiting, for the most
{ part, the Indian seas. They have an oblong body ;
; a small mouth, not at all protractile; each jaw fur-
: 208 :
/

———

eres

>








re a a NT a ne rea

SS eee a : :
eee
a OG

THE WATER-BEARERS.

nished with a single range of trenchant teeth; the
palate and tongue without teeth, and a single dorsal
fin. The Sureeon (Chetodon chirurgus) has a strong
moveable spine on each side of the tail, which is sharp
as a lancet, and inflicts severe wounds on those who
carelessly handle these fishes; hence their name of
Surgeon. They are not. numerous, but considerable
variety exists amongst them, some having a very high
dorsal fin; others a sort of brush, composed of stiff
hairs before the lateral spine ; others, again, have the
teeth deeply notched on one side.

ORDER I.—ACANTHOPTERYGII, OR PRICKLY-FINNED.

FAMILY X.—LABYRINTHIFORM PHARYNGEALS.
THE WATER-BEARERS.

Fisnes of this family are known by a peculiar or-
ganization, by which water can be retained to mois-
ten the gills when the fish is on dry land. This
singular property induces the common people of
India to believe that these fishes fall from heaven.
They inhabit the Indian seas. The Srorrep Srrpent-
HEAD (Aphicephalus serpentinus), will suffice as an
example. This fish, from the provision before-
mentioned, will creep to a considerable distance from
the water. The mountebanks and jugglers with
which India abounds, often carry fishes of this kind
about with them, to amuse the populace by their
movements. They are also so tenacious of life, that
they may be cut to pieces without being killed at
VOL. II. 25 209.

}
|
:

}
}
)

1

}
}
\
)
\

yé
SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.



|

)
)
)

|
ee ee





once, and are often thus sold alive, by slices, in the
market; nor do they sell at so high a price when so
much of them is-cut off that the rest ceases to move.
The flesh of this fish, though light, easy of digestion,
and of tolerable flavour, is not served on the tables
of Europeans, but is eaten by the Indians only.

———

ORDER I.—ACANTHOPTERYGII, oR PRICKLY-FINNED.

FAMILY XI.—MUGILOIDES.

THE MULLETS.

Te head of the fish in this family is depressed,
broad, and scaly; the ventral fins being under the

abdomen ; two short distant dorsal fins, of which the

first or spinous is farther back than the ventrals, and
the second answers to the anal; the mouth is fur-
nished with fleshy and notched lips; the lower jaw
keeled in the middle; no teeth, and a branchial
membrane with three rays. The body of the Com-
won Mutter (Mugil cephalus) is of a grey colour,
banded lengthwise with brownish parallel lines; the
belly silvery; fins bluish. It inhabits the European,
Indian, and Atlantic seas. This fish was highly
esteemed by the ancient Romans, and is still much
eaten in the southern countries of Europe. Its aver-
age weight is about ten pounds. A kind of caviar is
made of the roes, which is regarded as a luxury for
the table.

‘Toward the commencement of summer, mullets,
excited by the necessity of living in fresh water,

210

eee

anes

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A
ee eeeaeeE—e@™*:—0_0_0 00 Ou

eee Ne


























































































SEA DEVIL AND LEAPING BLENNY.
ee EO E— EE ____TL I
Se ea SS Se

‘approach the shore, and advance towards the mouths

of rivers, forming such numerous troops that the
\\ water through which they are seen, without being
) clearly distinguished, appears to be bluish. This /
\) particularly happens in the Garonne and Loire at /
\ {
(

({
THE GUDGEONS.

this period. ‘Lhey are then taken with nets in

large numbers. The flesh of the mullet is tender,
') and of good flavour. It is thought to be better when (
;) taken in fresh water. (
The Mounrain Mutirt (Mugil manticola) is a
| beautiful variety, and is a native of Jamaica.
( ()
\



ORDER I.—ACANTHOPTERYGII, OR PRICKLY-FINNED,

THE GUDGEONS.

(

(

(

(

(

me ee ae = ial Pacer

Tux distinguishing characteristic of this family is (

)) their slender and flexible dorsal fins. (

} The Learinc Burenny (Blennius saliens) will serve (

}) as our first illustration of this family. Their ventral |

)) fins are placed before the pectorals, and composed of (

i) only two rays. They associate together among the
i) yocks near the shore. The skin is covered with a
(’ mucous secretion, whence they derive their generic
(’ name. Many of this family are viviparous. The
(( leaping blenny approximates to the flying-fis}. mm the

(( length of the pectoral fins, which assist it in shooting

forth, and gliding swiftly over the surface of the water,

and in escaping from the tops of the rocks, where

\\ it is sometimes found dry, and whence it darts, by nu-

| merous and rapid leaps, into the middle of the waves.

SS

21k

a




SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTO RY.

The Sra Guperons (Gobi) have a round head,
with tumid cheeks; two dorsal fins, the posterior
long; the ventral fins unite towards their base into a
hollow disk ; the branchial membrane has four rays.
They are in ‘general but of small size, and are usually
found in shallow water. They can live for a con-
siderable time out of the water. Some are viviparous,
and the greater part are provided with a swimming
bladder. They are natives of the Indian seas.
Brovussonet’s GupeEon (Gobio Broussonetii) forms
a singular variety. The River Gupceon (Gobius
flwvialis) i is too well known to require any description,

ORDER I.—ACANTHOPTERYGII, OR PRICKLY-FINNED.

THE HAND-SWIMMERS.

Tue first specimen of this singular family is the Sxa
Devin (Lophius piscatorius). Its head is extremely
large and rounded; the pectorals supported as by
two arms; the mouth is extremely wide; the body
brown, with variations; the ventral fins are short
and stiff; two or three long tentacula are on the top
of the head, and the sides are fringed with similar
processes ; their length from two to seven feet. It
inhabits the seas of Europe; is thought in appear-
ance to resemble the tadpole, and hence often called:
the frog-fish. It frequents shallow water, lying in
ambush for its prey, consisting of smaller fishes, half
buried in mud, or covered by sea-weeds. If the

|
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WHITE AND_{AMMER-HEADED SHARKS.


- = a ie
a ca ~



THE. DOUBLE LIPS

Devil be ugly, like the lophius, he certainly has few

} claims to beauty. ;
' The Hann-swimmers (Chironectes) as their name
implies, have the singular property: of living out of

‘water for two or three days, creeping on larid almost
like quadrupeds, and which they are able to do from
the peculiar construction of their pectoral fins, which
perform the office of feet. They inhabit the seas of
warm climates. The Chironectes lustria is remarkable
for its capability of suddenly swelling out its abdo-
men, and changing its figure, as it were by will. It |
is found in the seas of Brazil and China, and is only

about nine or ten inches in length.
‘



ORDER I.—ACANTHOPTERYGII, OR PRICKLY-FINNED.

FAMILY aU A BROLDES
THE DOUBLE LIPS.

Tue Wrasss (labrus) forms a numerous genus. These
fish are oblong; their lips double and fleshy, whence
they derive their name; their branchie are crowded
with fine rays; their teeth conical: they also have a
‘strong natatory bladder. “Nature,” says Count
‘Lacepéde, “has granted to the Jadri neither size, nor
strength, nor power, but they have received as their
‘share of her favours agreeable’ properties, agile -
movements, rapid oars, and are adorned with all
the colours of the rainbow. The most varied shades,
‘and lively hues, have been lavished upon them.
They feed principally on sea-snails, and prefer the
218

































SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

i
)
)
neighbourhood of rocks, not subjected to the dashing |
of the waves.” The Mediterranean Sea presents,
several beautiful varieties. The Gisnous Wrassr
(labrus gibbus) may serve as an example.

The only variety which requires farther notice is
the Sra-Pgacock (coryphena plumieri.) This fish is
found in the French Antilles. It is remarkable for
its beauty of colouring; the body being gold-colour,
irregularly and transversely streaked with violet ; it
has also a crescent-shaped tail. }

(
(



ORDER I.—ACANTHOPTERYGI, OR PRICKLY-FINN ED.

THE PIPE-FISH.

Tae name of this family is derived from the elongated
or pipe-like shape of the fishes of this class. Their
jaws are very narrow, much produced, and tubular ;
the teeth small; the fins minute, and between the
lobes of the tail a filament is sometimes found as long
as the body; the branchial membrane has seven
rays.

The body of the Suenpzr Prez-Fisn (fistularia
tabacaria) is smooth, the scales being imperceptible;
of a liver colour, marked above and on the sides by
a row of blue and greenish spots intermixed; the
tail bifid, with a long bristle in the centre, tapering -
to a point.

The fishes included in this division are found in
the seas of hot climates, of both hemispheres.

214
Bs 1 eupeetn

=


ROACH.—2. CARP.—3. BREAM.
Ss

SERIES I.—OSSEI, OR BONY FISHES.
ORDER II. —MALACOPTERYGII ABDOMINALES, OR SOFT-FINNED
FISHES.

FAMILY I.—CYPRINOIDES.

THE CARP.

{

Tuts order of fishes is distinguished by the ventral
fins being behind the pectorals ; and the rays, unlike
the families already described, are soft or articu-
lated.

The Carp (cyprinus carpio) inhabiting almost all
our rivers, lakes, and ponds, scarcely requires de-
scription. It is known by its small toothless mouth,
and the three flat rays of the branchize. The tongue
is smooth, but a powerful instrument of mastication
is found at the entrance of the throat, having
some large teeth, and a stony disk, against which ©
the food is pressed. Carp spawn about May, are
very prolific, and live chiefly on vegetables. They
are widely scattered throughout the river of Europe,
but delight most in waters where the current is
not strong. Carp thrive equally well in ponds,
burying themselves in the mud during winter. They
are sometimes caught of very large size; the largest
ever known was taken, in 1711, at ‘Bischotshause,
near Frankfort, on the Oder; it weighed seventy
pounds, and was nine feet in length. Carp often
live to a great age; many have been known to hive
for more than 150 years. Like fish generally, they
can remain a long time without eating, although.

when opportunity serves, they. take food in abun-.
215

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( dance. ‘The flesh of the carp is in high estimation

‘ for the table.

The Gorp-F ISH (cyprinus auratus) forms an inter-

( esting family variety. They were originally from
China, having been first brought from that county
to Europe in the year 1011. They have now.
become almost indigenous to South Britain. A
river stream in this “country is too cold for them,
although they abound in the rivers of China. With

| us, they are reared chiefly in stagnant water. The
frosts of winter, provided that the ice of the pond

where they may be is broken, do not injure them,
Many persons keep them in vases; but this can
only be done for a time. The water should often be
changed. and in warm weather especially, they
should be removed at night from the vase with a
landing net, and placed in a large tub of water.
But little food is required for them while in confine-
ment. On the approach of May, the spawning

| season, they should be put into a pond, otherwise

(

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(
SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY. |

|
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they will be almost sure to perish. They increase
’ very rapidly when in a situation which suits them ;
ard they have the power of controlling the popula-
tion, so that the pond never becomes overstocked,
even though no fish are removed from it. When in
ponds the “gold fish are fond of being fed with bread,
or other vegetable substances, and by this means
may he brought, almost at any time, to the surface
of the water, | excepting when the weather be very
windy or cold. The young fish, for a year or two
after birth, are of a slate-colour; and it js known
that they gradually assume their gay liveries of gold
and silver, although the precise time and manner io
216 =.

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~~















































































































































































PIKE AND SEA PIKE.




THE PIKE.

have never yet, we believe, been determined. Frogs,
efts, and sticklebacks, are great enemies to them,
and should be removed.

The Trencu (¢éca) also belongs to this family.
It is a beautiful and hardy fish, widely scattered
throughout the whole globe, and will multiply in
any stagnant and muddy water. They bear the
cold without injury, grow rapidly, and increase
amazingly.

The Break (cyprinus aiburnus) is a fish well
known to cockney fishermen, who are accustomed to
noble nibbles in the river Lea. Its body is narrow,
silvery, and brilliant; the fins of a pale colour,
This fish is very abundant throughout Europe. Not
being much bigger than a sprat, the patient. fisher-
man will do well, the moment a bleak is caught, to

/ throw it into the water, for the purpose of growing

larger.

a

ORDER II.—MALACOPTERYGII ABDOMINALES, OR SOFT-FINNED
FISHES.
FAMILY II.—ESOCES.
THE PIKE.

Few fish are better known than the Common Pike

_ (esox lucius). It is one of the most voracious of

fishes, and one of the most destructive also. Its

flesh is good, and easy of digestion, because never

fat. It is remarkably quick of hearing, a fact

which was noticed by Pliny. The air-bladder of the

pike is very large, which allows it to traverse great
VOL. 1. 2F 217



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SCRIPTURE: NATURAL HISTORY.

spaces with the rapidity of lightning, and against the
currents of the most impetuous rivers. The pike of
Germany and Switzerland are much more in request
than those of Italy, consequent, probably, upon the
difference of climate. This fish has well been
designated “the shark of fresh waters,’ where it
reigns a devastating tyrant. To this marauder
nature has likewise accorded length of years; for
azes it terrifies, agitates, pursues, and destroys the
feeble inhabitants of the waters. This warrior has
not merely been gifted with strength, size, and
numerous weapons, but it has also been adorned
with elegance of form, symmetry of proportion, and
variety and richness of colour.

. The pike is never seen in the sea but by accident:
in the streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds of Jurope,
Asia, and America, especially in the northern parts,
it abounds. It feeds alike upon frogs, serpents, rats,
young ducks and other aquatic birds, as well as
upon fish. A large pike in the Rhine once seized
with its teeth the under lip of a mule that was
drinking, and did not let go until the animal had
removed to some distance from the water.

The pike will grow to the length of. from six to
nine feet, and attains the weight of eivhty or a
hundred pounds. It grows most rapidly; in the
first year it often attains to a foot in length; in the
aixth it has been known to measure six feet.

The Sea-Prxz, or Ganrisu (esox belone) does not
essentially differ in appearance from the fish just
described; but is smaller. About two feet -is its
average size; it is of a green colour above, and white
underneath. It is said to he good eating, aithough

218



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— o>
————





————— oe Se

THE SEAT-FISH.

® prejudice prevails against it on account of its
colour: the bones are of a finer green colour than
the skin. The garfish is found on our own coasts ;
and kindred species seem to abound in all seas. Its
bite is said to be dangerous, if not poisonous.



ORDER 11.—MALACOPTERYGIL ABDOMINALES, OR SOFT-FINNED
: FISHES.

FAMILY III.—SILUROIDES.

THE SILURES.

Turis family is distinguished from all others, by
having no true scales, but only a naked skin, or
large osseous plates. The dorsal and pectoral fins
have almost always a strong articulated spine for the
first ray. This articulation is so constructed, that
the fish can, at pleasure, approximate it to the body,
or fix it perpendicularly in an immoveable position.
It then constitutes a dangerous weapon, and capable
of inflicting severe wounds. These fishes abound in
warm climates. .

The Szat-Fisa (silurus glanis) is the largest of
the fresh-water fishes of Europe, and the only one
of this singular genus in this quarter of the globe.
The body is smooth, greenish-black, spottcd with
black ; yellowish-white underneath. It is sometimes
upwards of six feet long, weighing as much as three
hundred pounds. ‘This disagreeable creature con-
ceals itself in the mud, to lie in wait for its prey.
It is found in the rivers of Germany and Hungary. «

. 219.



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ORDER Il.—MALACOPTERYGII ABDOMINALES, OR SOFT-FINNED
FISHES.

A GIR I ap af i

FAMILY IV.—SALMONIDA.

THE SALMON.

|
)
Tuis family is characterized by a scaly body, with
) a first dorsal of soft rays, followed by a second
) which is small and fat, but unsupported by rays.
) Almost all this family ascend rivers. Their flesh is
excellent; their teeth ranged, both in the mouth
and throat, so that they are the most completely
dentated of all fishes. Their natatory bladder
extends from one end of the abdomen to the other.
The Saumon (salmo salar) is one of the largest
/ and most valuable of the finny tribe. Its flesh is
red, and therefore not very digestible; its skin
variegated with brown spots. It migrates from the
Arctic seas, whence it enters the rivers in large
shoals, in spring. Its mode of life is most remark-
able. It is born in the fresh water; grows in the
sea; takes refuge in the ocean during winter;
passes the summer in rivers, and ascends towards
their source. It traverses with facility the whole
extent of the longest rivers. ‘Through the Elbe, it
proceeds as far as Bohemia; by the Rhine, it
( arrives in Switzerland; by the Maragnon, whose
*. course is nearly 800 leagues, it attains to the lofty
Cordilleras of South America. In ascending rivers,
salmon always proceed in long bands, disposed in
two lines, which form the sides of a triangle, the
summit of which is occupied by the largest female,

') who leads the van; the smaller fish constitute the
{ 220 _—"s


























































































































































































SALMON AND TROUT,




oe

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ee aS eae

THE COMMON TROUT,

rear-guard, In the event of this order being inter-
‘rupted, it is renewed as quickly as possible. They
swim with great noise, in the middle of the river,
and near the surface of the water. When any
obstruction occurs, great efforts are made to ovércome
it. With one of their sides resting upon some
large stones, they approximate the extremity of the
tail to the mouth, catch it with their teeth, and
thus form an arch which constitutes a powerfully
tense spring, this they let go with inconceivable
rapidity, strike the water with violence, and spring
to a height of twelve or fifteen feet in the air.
When alarmed, they swim with immense rapidity,
giving a rate of at least 86,400 feet in an hour.
Their ascent in the rivers is for the purpose of
spawning. The provident mother having selected a
pace, will often dig an elongated hole of perhaps
eighteen inches in length, where, having discharged
her burthen, she then covers it with sand. The
male afterwards fecundates the spawn, generally
during the night. Towards the end of autumn,
exhausted and feeble, they descend to the sea. The
young grow rapidly, gaining the sea when about a
foot long. Their numbers surpass all reckoning.
In Norway, a single cast of the net sometimes
furnishes more than three hundred fishes; and in
the Tweed will often bring more than seven hundred.
Yet salmon possess little tenacity of life, dying
almost instantly on being taken out of the water.
The Common Trovr (salno fario) is a much
‘smaller fish than the salmon, with brown spots on
the back, and red in the flanks, yet much varying
from white and golden yellow, to a deep brown ; the

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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

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flesh is white. The trout is common in all streams,
where the water is clear and lively. The praises of l)
the trout are in every angler’s mouth.

(
\
ORDER II.—MALACOPTERYGIT ABDOMINALES, OR SOFI-FINNED
: FISHES.
FAMILY V.—CLUPEA.

THE HERRING.

Tur gills in these fish are very much cleft, so that
they instantly die on being taken out of the water.
The natatory bladder is both long and pointed. Of
all fishes, their bones are the finest and most nume-
rous.

The Common Hernine (clupea harengus) is a fish
universally known. It swims with considerable
strength and agility, and feeds on the eggs of fishes,
on crabs, and worms. Each year, in summer and
autumn, these celebrated fishes proceed from the
North, and arrive on the western coasts of Eurgpe in °
innumerable legions. They also spread themselves
over certain shores of America, and on the northern
coasts of Asia. Common as herrings are, we know
but little of their history; whence they come, or
whither they go. At whatever period the herrings
abandon their winter sojourn, they proceed in troops,

\ which are preceded by some isolated males, generally
) a few days in advance. Considerable agitation
\ exists amongst them during the time of spawning.
Our knowledge of the time when the spawn of the
herring discloses the youn’. and the period which is

a — Roe sens |
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COD AND HERRINGS,
oT ee
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THE SPRAT.

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necessary to attain its maximum of size, is very
imperfect. The usual length of the herring is
about ten inches. It multiplies astonishingly ;
sixty-eight thousand six hundred and six eggs, have
been reckoned in a single female. The innumerable
legions of herrings, though covering an immense
extent in the sea, yet proceed in regular order, rank
and file. Tens of thousands of them fall a prey to
larger fishes, and sea birds; multitudes perish by
their crowding into bays and shallows, where they are
suffocated, or crushed to death. Millions of them
likewise fall into the nets of fishermen during their
passage. ‘The Swedes alone are known to take of
these fishes annually, more than four hundred
millions; which yet bears no proportion to the
myriads taken by the fishermen of Holstein, Meck-
lenburg, Pomerania, France, Ireland, Scotland,
England, the United States, Kamschatka, and
perhaps above all, by Holland. Notwithstanding
all these sources of destruction, the number of
herrings never seem to diminish. _ It is only of late
years that the salting of herrings has taken place in
England and Scotland, on a large scale; and even
now this branch of commerce does not receive that
support which its importance demands. Herrings
are not found in the Mediterranean, or in any of
the southern oceans.

To this same family belong the Sprar (clupea
sraitus); the Wuire Bair (clupea alba); the
Piucuarv (clupea pilchardus); the Sarpine (clupea
sardina) ; the Suan (clupea alosa) ; and the AncHovy
(clupea encrasicolus).

The Sprar has the proportions of the herring,

223

oe

———

no











Se
Sa

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See

—~~— TT
a a Se ea eo



* sonAPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

and is a rich pleasant fish, for a healthy stomach,
either fresh or salted.

The Wnts Bair is regarded as one of the
dainties of the table. It is a very small fish of the
finest silvery colour, with a small black spot on the
end of the muzzle. It is regularly found in our’
rivers on the approach of summer, though its history
continues to be one of the mysteries of nature.

The Prucaarp nearly resembles the herring in
size, but the scales are larger. Its fishery precedes
that of the herring, and particularly so on the
western coast of England.

The Sanpine greatly resembles the pilchard,
excepting in its smaller size. It has the reputation
of extreme delicacy of flavour. Large quantities
are preserved by the Brittany fishermen, both in oil
and butter, for exportation. Numbers of these fish
are taken in the Mediterranean.

The Swap is much larger and thicker than the
herring, being taken nearly a yard in length. It has
no perceptible teeth. In spring it enters the rivers,
when it is excellent eating. If taken in the sea,
it is dry and ill-flavoured.

The Ancuovy differs in appearance from the .
herring, and is less in size. The back is of a bluish
brown colour, and the belly. silvery. Innumerable
quantities of anchovies are taken in the Mediter-
ranean, The head and intestines being removed, the
body of the fish is preserved, and is extensively used.
as a sauce, OF seasoning.

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PILOT FISH AND SEA PORCUPINE.
ORDER III. MALACOPTERYGII SUBBRACHII, OR FISH WITH
VENTRAL FINS UNDER THE PECTORALS,

FAMILY I.—-GADOIDES.

THE COD.

Tnx Gadites are recognized by the ventrals being
attached under the throat, and sharpened to a point.
Their body is long, and covered with soft scales;
the head without scales. All their fins are soft; the
jaws being armed with several ranks of small curry-
comb teeth; their gills are large, with seven rays.
Almost all have two or three dorsal fins ; one or two
behind the anus, and a distinct caudal fin. They,
also possess a large air-bladder. They live in cold
or temperate seas, and constitute most important
resources in their fishery.

Cop (gadus morrhua) are from two to three
feet in length, with the back spotted yellow or
brown. They inhabit the northern seas, and multiply
to such a degree that whole fleets are engaged in
catching them. When salted and dried, all Furope,

-and the Colonies, are supplied with them. The cod

fishery began about the tenth century, by Gaspard
de Corte Real, a Portuguese, who cast anchor, for
the first time, amidst fogs and storms, upon the
savage and sterile island of Newfoundland, and has
proved, in the hands of the industrious fishermen
of Europe, a far greater source of wealth, than all
derived from the mines of Potosi. The weight of
the cod varies from twelve to a hundred pounds. it
is most voracious, and has digestive powers almost
sufficient to dispose of wood and iron. It is an
VOL. II. 26 225



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‘ SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY. ’

SS
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omnivorous feeder. Its growth is most rapid; fre-
quents salt water alone, remaining in the depths of
the sea, and never approaches the shore but at the
spawning season. The cod is found in the seas of
Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Russia, Swe-
den, and Prussia; in the British Channel, near the
Orkneys, at New England, and Cape Breton, but
more especially at Newfoundland, where, for a hun-
dred leagues in length, and sixty in breadth, the cod
assemble in astonishing numbers, about the month of
March. On the European coasts these fish appear
about a month earlier. No fish is so valuable for pre-
servation as the cod; and hence its consumption is
extended throughout the world. Less perhaps is eaten
in England than elsewhere, in proportion to the pop-
ulation, the English not being a fish-eating people.
Every part of the cod is useful. The tongue,
whether fresh or salted, is a delicacy; the gills are
employed as baits for fish; the liver furnishes an
enormous quantity of oil, which of late years has
been extensively used as medicine; the swimming-
bladders are converted into isinglass; the head,
when the fish is salted, supplies the fishermen and
their families with food; the flesh of the cod mixed
with sea-weed, is given by the Norwegians to their
cows, for forcing the milk; the bones even are given
to the cattle by the Icelanders, and to the dogs, by
the Kamtschatdales; they are also used for fuel;
the intestines and eggs of the cod rank amongst
the luxuries of the table.

The cod fishery is of vast importance in every
commercial country, employing an immense amount
of capita! for fitting out ships, and the payment of sea-

226 ;

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THE HADDUCK.

men engaged in the trade. Nothing perhaps has
tended more to the improvement of our naval power
than the Newfoundland fishery.

The annual destruction of these fishes by man
almost exceeds belief. According to the report of
the unfortunate Roland, made to the French Conven-
tion, it appears that in the first six months of the
year 1792, there issued from the ports of France for
the cod fishery alone, 210 vessels, carrying altogether
191,153 tons; that every year more than 6,000
vessels of all nations are occupied in this fishery,
and bring back more than 36,000,000 cod, salted or
dried. But the mystery is explained, when we come
to know, that each mother cod can annually give
birth to above nine millions of young.

The Happock (morrhua eglefinus) greatly resem-
bles the preceding species. It comes annually, in
the months of February and March, towards. the
shores of Northern Europe. It is found neither in
the Baltic or Mediterranean. The tradition, there-
fore, that this fish continues to bear the impress of
Saint Peter’s finger and thumb, is a stupid and
lying. legend, since this fish is not found in any sea
to which the apostle had access. This remark
might have been omitted, but for the many attempts
which are now making to revive old superstitions.

For the last century, shoals of haddock have
arrived on our coast, between Flamborough Head
andthe mouth of the Tyne, in December, and are
then taken in considerable number. The haddock
is no less gluttonous and destructive than the cod,
feeding on smaller fishes and crustacea. The large
haddock are taken only in winter. The quality

227



SSS eS
I OF FS OOS OL LaLa aeons

¢
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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

of the flesh of this fish considerably varies. In
general it is white, firm, and good: fish caught in
May and June are preferred. It is salted like the
cod, but is much inferior. The Line (‘ota molva)
is but another variety.

The Wnuirtne (merlangus vulgaris) is chiefly
found in the northern seas of Europe. It is caught
nearly throughout the year, around England and
Holland, either by line or net.



FE sh Nk No a oa

Fa ae ge co a a a a a Re ON

ORDER HI.—MALACOPTERYGII SUBBRACHII, OR FISH WITH
VENTRAL FINS UNDER THE PECTORALS.

FAMILY II. —PLEURONECTES.
FLAT FISH.

Tu1s family is unique amongst fishes, having both
eyes on the same side, remains uppermost when
if swims, and is of dark colour; the belly is
white. Such fishes seldom quit the bottom, having
' no natatory bladder. The Puatce (pleuronectes
| platessa), the FLouNDER (pleuronectes jlesus), the
Hazrsur (pleuronectes hippoglossus), the Tursor
(pleuronectes maximus), the Britt (pleuronecies
rhombus), and the Soux (solea), all belong to this
family, and are found in the northern seas. The
Tursor, though extremely voracious, seldom attacks
anything but living prey, or what is quite fresh.
Tts flesh is white, fat, flaky, and delicate. ‘he
Sore is more extensively scattered than the others,
being found not only in the Baltic and North
Atlantic, but in the Mediterranean aiso. It is

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SOLE AND LUMP.SUCKER.


















































































































































































TUNNY AND STURGEON.


THE SUCKERS.

he a eee a ie er cer,

found also at the mouth of some of the rivers of ‘/.
Africa. The flesh of the sole, taken near the Cape /
of Good Hope, is said to surpass all others. The |
OrnAMENTED Soe (pleuronectes ornatus) is a singu- |
lar variety: it is brown, with dark spots.
specimen of this variety may be seen in the British |
Museum.
(
{
ORDER III.—MALACOPTERYGII SUBBRACHII, FISH WITH VEN-
TRAL FINS UNDER THE PECTORALS. :

FAMILY III.—DISCOBOLES.

THE SUCKERS.

Tus family is distinguished by the ventral fins
being united at the base by a membrane, into a
disk-like form. The Corniso Sucker (/epadogaster
cornubiensis) has a tapering body of a reddish colour,
with dusky spots; two purple marks are behind the
eyes; the dorsal fin has eleven rays. It is about
four inches long, and inhabits the British seas.

The Lump Sucker (cyclopterus lumpus) is a fish
' of disagreeable appearance and habits. Its skin is
: rough, with small tubercles ; the back elevated, and
; of a dusky colour; the belly flat and red; it has
; three rows of large conical tubercles on each side.
) In length this fish is about a foot and-a-half. It is
) found in the northern seas. The lump sucker
| always remains at the bottom, adhering firmly to
any object on which it may chance-to fasten. Pen-
| nant says, that on throwing an individual of this
' gpecies into a pail of water, it adhered so firmly to
229

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)

SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

the bottom, that, on taking the fish by the tail, the
whole pail was lifted up, though it held several
gallons. . :

The Remora (echeneis remora) is another of this
disgusting family, and the last which we can mention.
The head bears on its top a flattened disk, composed
of transverse plates, obliquely directed backward,
spinous at the border, and moveable in such a man-
ner that the fish is able, by producing a vacuum, to
fix itself to different bodies, such as rocks, vessels,
and other fish. This has given rise to the absurd
notion, that the remora could stop a ship. It is of a
brown colour, and about eighteen inches long. The
smallness of the fins of this creature prevents it
from swimming rapidly; compensation is made for
this by the extraordinary faculty it possesses of
attaching itself to other fish. Even sharks, those
tyrants of the deep, have been taken with the
remora fastened to their body; and so firmly, that
considerable force has been required to remove it.
The remora is principally found in the Mediter-
ranean.



_ ORDER IV.—MALACOPTERYGII APODES. ANGUILLIFORMES, OR
EEL-FORMED FISH.

THE EELS.

Tuis family is known by its elongated form : the

' opercula or gills, are small, and very far back. and

sheltered, allowing these fish to remain for some
230

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SALAMANDER AND WATER EFT.
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THE ELECTRICAL EEL.

tral fins.
The Common Ez (murena anguilla) is too well
known to require description. The silver eels of the

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time out of water. The whole family have no ven-
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/ Thames are in considerable request; but they
) furnish a very inadequate supply for the London
} markets: the greater part of the eels which are
) consumed in England being imported from Holland.
) The eel is of slow growth, but continues.for a long
series of years. It is also, for the most part,
) viviparous.
\ The Concer, or Sea Een (murena conger). is
) common to all the seas of Europe, of Northern Asia,
and America. Five or six feet, or even more, is no
) uncommon length, and of the thickness of a man’s
) leg. The conger is most voracious, living chiefly on
) fish and crustacea. Its flesh is not considered very
) -healthy for a weak stomach.
} The Execrrica, Ext (gymnotus electricus) well.
deserves admiration, its organization being so singu-
larly scientific. The length .of this fish is from
three to four feet, and thick in proportion. The
tail, which is very strong, the animal whirls about
with amazing agility. The colour above is a black
brown; the under parts orange, with black spots.
The smaller rivers of South America much abound
with them; and they are much dreaded. Their
) history was, until lately, almost unknown; but
() several having, within the last few years, been
‘| brought to England, we are now much better
(/ acquainted with them than formerly.
\, The shocks produced by the gymnoti are accom-
( panied with sparks, altogether similar to those
!

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231

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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

\
, produced in electrical operations. These sparks may |
' be obtained from the animal, as from the battery of
, an electrical machine, by forming a circuit. Shocks
( appear to be given at the pleasure of the fish, and ,
( those possessing most terrific power. M. de Hum- |
( boldt, who received a shock from one of these
( creatures, says, that it was more painful than. an
electrical shock, the pain continuing in the knees
for many hours afterwards. The apparatus within
( the body of the fish, which produces these marvellous
) results, is of a singular and complicated character,
} consisting of four bundles of muscles, which form
) nearly one third part of the entire fish. These four
) bundles are composed of a great number of tendinous
) expansions ; long, parallel, horizontal, and separated
/ from each other by about the twentieth of an inch.
/ Other muscles, or expansions, cut the preceding
( almost at right angles, forming a wide and deep net-
( work composed of a multiplicity of small cells. The
' cells are filled with a gelatinous kind of substance.
‘ This well elaborated apparatus is put in play by a
‘ system of nerves emanating from the spinal marrow,
\ composed of as many trunks as there are vertebra,
) and receiving, besides, some branches of a large
' nerve, which runs in a straight line from the
» eranium to the extremity of the tail, above the
backbone. All the ramifications of these various
/ nerves are spread out in the cells of the electric
| organs; and thus become so many instruments for
| striking, with death or torpor, all animals within reach
' of their influence. This seems eminently to be the
case, when the gymnotus is thoroughly worked up to a
| pitch of rage. After a few terrible shocks, however,
232

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CONGER AND SAND EELS.


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‘THE ELECTRICAL EEL.

the animal becomes exhausted; and its capability
for renewed combat much weakened.

M. de Humboldt informs us, that he witnessed
an extraordinary combat with the gymnoti, in a
stagnant water called Cano de Bera, near the village
of Rastro de Abaxo, in South America. A number
of half wild horses were compelled to enter this
water, urged on by the Indians, who were provided
with long reeds and harpoons for the purpose, and
to prevent the horses from attaining the opposite
shore. The eels, confounded by the noise of the
horses, defended themselves by reiterated discharges
of their electric ‘batteries. For a long time the
gymnoti seemed to gain the advantage ;.the horses
being seen in every direction, stunned by the
frequency and force of the shocks, and disappearing
under the water. Several of the horses, however,
rose again; and some of them, in spite of the vigi-
lance of the Indians, gained the shore, exhausted
with fatigue, and their limbs benumbed by the
shocks which théy had received, stretched themselves
at full length upon the ground. The contest, how-
ever, was fast coming to an end; for the horses
still in the water, which at first appeared with brist-
ling manes, and with terror and anguish depicted in
their eyes, gradually became less affrighted, their
manes no longer bristled up, and their eyes less
expressive of suffering and fear; whereas the eels
were now for retreating, in their turn, from the
horses, instead of attacking them; and presently a_
number of the gymnoti, like huge aquatic serpents,
were to be seen floating rather than swimming on
the surface of the water, showing their yellow bellies,
VOL. 11. 2H - 283

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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

from their retroverted position. The Indians could
now draw many of these terrible combatants to the
shore. It is true that in less than’ five minutes from
the beginning of this spectacle, two of the horses had
been drowned ; but this might probably have been
occasioned partly by their being stunned by the
first discharges of this animal electricity, partly by
the extreme terror into which they were thrown,
and partly by the stronger horses having passed over
their bodies. ‘This marvellous exhibition, from its
commencement, was quite at an end in less than a
quarter of an hour.

The specimen of the gymnotus; which was shown
a few years ago, at the Adelaide Gallery, appeared to
be naturally quiet, allowing its attendant to stroke
it, remaining still during the time, and even caressing
the hand which thus noticed it. The gymnoti
belong almost exclusively to the rivers of South
America.

The Sanp Exr1 (ammodytes tobianus) is the
smallest of the eel family, rarely exceeding six inches
in length. It is found in abundance, during the
summer months, on most of our sandy shores, and
those of other northern seas. It is dug or drawn
out, by means of blunt hooks, at the recess of the
tide. The back of this fish is bluish-green; the
sides and belly silvery.

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THE GLOBE DIODON.




ORDER V.—LAPHOBRANCHII, OR TUFT-GILLED.

THE TUFT-GILLED.

Tris family is generally of small size, and almost
without flesh. It is distinguished from all other
fishes by the character of its gills, which are disposed
in tufted pairs.

The SmautEr Pree-Fisn (syngnathus typhle), be-
sides having the branchial opening towards the neck,
is further distinguished by its ova, or eggs, being
hatched in a pouch, formed by an expansion of the
skin, which is placed under the belly, or at the base
of the tail, which opens to allow the young to get
out. The body of the pipe-fish is marbled with yel-
low and black; the fins are grey; the beak slen-
der and compressed on the sides; eighteen plates on
the body, and thirty-six on the tail, form so many
articulations; the tail is square; its length about a

foot. It inhabits the northern seas.

The Sra-norsE (syngnathus hippocampus), is ano-
ther variety in this family, being also an inhabitant
of European seas. It derives its name from the head,
in a dried state, bearing some resemblance to that of
a horse. The body is of an heptagonal shape, having
seven rows of tubercles; the belly projects with a
notched edge; the tail is square, terminating in a
finless point; the head is large, with a cartilaginous
excrescence above the nose. The colour of this fish
ig grey on the back and sides, spotted with white and
black; the belly is brown. It seldom attains to
more than a foot in length.

285

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ORDER VI.—PLECTAGNATHI, OR FIXED-JAWED.

FAMILY I,—GYMNODONTES.

THE TOOTH-JOINED.

Ty1s order is characterized by the manner in which
their jaws are armed. The gymnodontes, instead of
apparent teeth, have the jaws furnished with an ivory
substance, which somewhat resembles the bill of a
parrot, but which, in reality, constitutes true teeth
united together.

The Gross, or Battoon-risn (diodon atinga), has
the power of inflating itself with air, which done, it
turns upside down; the spines, with which the skin
is furnished, being then raised on all sides, prove a
means of defence. In this state the fish is dangerous
to handle. There are several varieties, but all inhabit-
ing tropical seas. The diodon bursuarius is an ex-
traordinary variety.

ORDER VI.—PLECTAGNATHI, OR FIXED-JAWED. '

FAMILY II.—SCLERODERMATA.

THE ROUGH-SKINNED.

Tur Sua-Hoe (balistes capriscus) is armed with

distinct teeth, though but few in number, to each

jaw; its skin is rough, and clothed with hard scales.

These fish are found in great numbers in the torrid

zone, near rocks, on a level with the water, where

they shine with brilliant colours. Their flesh is re-
236


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THE STURGEONS.

putedly poisonous : it may not be so, but their fright-
ful shape would seem alone sufficient to deter any
one from making the experiment.



SERIES II.—CHONDROPTERYGII, OR CARTILAGINOUS FISHES.

ORDER I.—ELEUTHEROBRANCHII, OR FRBE-GILLED,

THE STURGEONS.

Carritacinovs fish are divided into those whose gills
are free, like those of ordinary fishes; and those
whose gills are fixed, that is, attached to the skin by
their external edge, so that the water does not issue
from their intervals, except through the holes of the
surface. Sturgeons belong to the former class, and
are, besides, essentially cartilaginous, although fur-
nished with bony bucklers, implanted lengthwise on
the skin. The head is likewise cuirassed in the same
manner; the mouth is small, and without teeth.
The Common Sturgeon (accipenser sturio) is about
six or seven feet in length. Its flesh much resembles
veal. The sturgeon is found almost everywhere in
the main ocean, and in narrow seas, also, at certain
times of the year. It seldom visits the Thames, but
is not unfrequently found in our more northern
rivers, and in all the northern rivers of Europe,
chiefly during the months of March, April, and
May. Sturgeons often attain to a great size, feeding
almost entirely on small fish. In the sea, or at the
mouth of rivers, they may live on herrings and mac-
kerel, though they much delight in disturbing the
237

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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY. 1

muddy bottoms of rivers, in search of worms, and |
other reptiles. ‘They ascend the rivers, like the |
salmon, for the purpose of depositing their spawn. |
The roe of the female is immensely large, often |
weighing nearly one-third of the entire fish. Of
this caviar is made, which is consumed in large |
quantities in Turkey, Russia, Germany, and Italy.
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| SERIES II.—CHONDROPTERYGII, OR CARTILAGINOUS FISHES.

FAMILY I.—PLAGIOSTOMI, OR RUDIMENTARY-JAWED.

ORDER Il.—PENTOBRANCHII, OR CONFINED GILLS.

Tue fishes of which we are next to treat differ from

all the preceding, since in this family the gills adhere

to the external edge, so that they suffer the water to

escape by as many holes pierced in the skin as there

are intervals between them. This family is ovovivi-

parous, the eggs being hatched in the oviduct of the
() mother.
The Greater Carrisn (scyllium canicula) has an
elongated body, with a thick and fleshy tail; the pec-
torals are of middle size; the teeth have a point in
) the middle, and two smaller ones on the sides. These
’ fish are found in almost all seas, and are extremely
( voracious. Tish form their ordinary food, but some-
(' times they will attack fishermen themselves, or those
(- whom they may find bathing.
( The Ware Spark (squalus carcharias.) This

THE SQUALI.

{ 238 \






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TH SHAKK,

monster of the deep is the most terrible of its kind
and found occasionally in the British seas. The head
of this formidable animal is flat, with very small
eyes. The mouth being deeply cleft, forms a wide
gape, ten feet in circumference; the teeth are tri-
angular, slightly jagged, and from two to three inches
in length; their number seems to increase with the
age of the animal. The nostrils are greatly developed,
and the faculty of smell, on which the shark depends
in its predatory movements, acute. Its capability in
swallowing is surprising, so that the entire body of a
man, or even of a horse, has been found in the sto-
mach of this sea-monster. Many naval officers have
remarked, that such is the boldness of this marauder,
that, regardless of the noise and turmoil which at-
tend a general naval engagement, the shark may be
seen attacking the unhappy men who had fallen into
the sea. Seals, cod, and other fish, form its or-
dinary food; but, like the vultures on land, it is
attracted by the smell of putrescent animal matter of
all sorts. During the revolting horrors of the slave
trade, these voracious creatures have been known to
follow a slave-ship from the African shore, the whole
voyage across the Atlantic, to devour the bodies of
such miserable blacks, whose sufferings during the
passage had ended in death. Nay, more, those hu-
man bloodhounds who had the command of such
ships, in the event of insubordination arising amongst
the captive blacks, have given orders that certain
individuals, selected from amongst them, should be
thrown overboard, as examples to the rest; while the
ship’s company, in common with their brutal captain,
have enjoyed the sight of witnessing the sharks seiz-
239
















SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

ing and devouring such unhappy human beings. So
low has humanity fallen! A shark will spring from
the water to a height of twenty feet, to seize a human
body suspended for the purpose by a line.

The shark is ovoviviparous, the young at their
birth being about seven or eight inches long. It is
quite unknown how long sharks are in attaining their
full size, which often amounts to twenty-five, or even
thirty feet. The usual period of their life also con-
tinues a mystery.

Few fish are more singular or remarkable than the
HaMMER-HEADED SHARK (squalus zygena.) The
head is flatted horizontally, and elongated on cach
side into a branch, resembling a double-headed ham-
mer. The eyes are large, prominent, and lodged at
the extremities of these branches of the head, which
are also pierced by the nostrils. The opening of the
mouth is semicircular; the teeth are large, sharp,
and indented on each side, three rows being in each
jaw. This variety inhabits most of the southern
seas. Its colour is grey; the head nearly black;
the eyes yellow. It frequents deep water; is very
voracious and dangerous, even to man. Its average
length is from twelve to fifteen feet. The zygena of
New Holland differs but little from that already
described.

The Rays form another family of a revolting
character, though remarkable and curious. The
Torrgepo (torpedo narke) claims our first notice.
The disk of the body is almost circular, the anterior
edge being formed by two productions of the muz-
ule, which stvetch along the side to join the pectorals.
The space between the pectorals and the head and

240

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THE THORNBACK,

gills is filled, on each side, by an extraordinary ap-
paratus, formed of small membraneous tubes, crowded
against each other, like the combs of bees, subdivided
by horizontal diaphragms into small cells, full of
mucous matter, and abundantly supplied with nerves.
In this apparatus, the electric, or galvanic power,
resides, and which renders the torpedo so notorious.
The animal is capable of giving very violent shocks
to those who touch it; and depending as they do on
the will of the animal, serves both for a means of
defence, and for catching its prey. The body of
this fish is smooth ; the teeth small and sharp. The
torpedo is far from common on our own coasts; but
is abundant in the Mediterranean, the Persian Gulf,
the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and about the Cape.
It feeds on small fish; and varies in length, from
two to four feet.

The THornpack (raia clavata), and Sxare (raia
batis) belong to this family. The skin of the thorn-
back is shagreened, freckled above, and white under-
neath. A row of strong spines passes down the
back, with three rows on the tail. When young,
they are called maids, and are then spotted with
white. The general size is about three feet ; but their
skeletons being completely cartilaginous, their size is
perhaps unlimited. They are found in all European
seas, but especially in the North Sea. Thornbacks
are Ovoviviparous, very voracious, and feed on small
fish. The skatx is almost identical with the thorn-
back. It is often of very large size, some having
been taken off our own coast which weighed two hun-
dred pounds; but in the West Indies, the skate are
even larger, many of them having been taken which

VOL, 11. 21 24)






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sCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY,

sneasured twenty-five feet in length, by thirteen in
breadth.

The Srinatne Ray (raia pastinaca) is another
variety. It is pear-shaped, with the muzzle slightly
pointed; of a dirty-yellow colour above, white
underneath, and seldom. exceeds from twelve to
fifteen pounds in weight. The sting, with which
these fishes are armed, inflicts a very dangerous
wound. This weapon is serrated, and with it the
animal can inflict a fearful wound, and with the
swiftness of an arrow. It was formerly believed to
be poisonous; this, however, is not the case, though
the inflammation arising from the wound often
assumes a very dangerous character.

SERIES [I.—CHONDROPTERYGII, OR CARTILAGINOUS FISHES.

ORDER II.—PENTROBRANCHII, OR CONFINED-GILLS.

FAMILY II.—CYCLOSTOMA, OR CIRCULAR-MOUTHED.

THE LAMPREYS.

Tue family now to be described, is the least per-
fect of fishes; having neither pectoral nor ventral
fins. They approach very nearly to worms. The
Sza-Lamprey (petromyzon marinus) is always found
im the sea, excepting in the breeding season, when it
ascends the rivers. It attaches itself, by means of
its sucker-mouth, with: great force, to rocks and
stones, an organization kindly given to this creature,
to prevent its being tossed. about by the waves, a
swimming-bladder being denied to it. At first sight,
242. .





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THE RIVER LAMPREY,

from their elongated body and rounded shape, they
may well be taken for eels. ‘These fish ‘are very
lively, and exude a considerable viscosity from all
parts of their bodies. They feed on animal matter,
either living or dead. Like the generality of fish,
they are oviparous. They are of a brown greenish
colour on the back; the belly silvery-white. Their
usual length is about a yard, although they often
attain to a much larger size. They are found in most
seas, but more in the north than the south. The
lamprey, in some parts, is still much esteemed as an
article of food: it seems, however, much better
suited for the dunghill than the table.

The River Lamprey (petromyzon fluvialis) greatly
resembles that of the Sea, though much smaller,
seldom exceeding eighteen inches in length. The
head has a greenish tinge ; the back blackish; the
sides approaching to yellow; and the belly silvery.
It passes the greater part of the year at the bottom
of the deepest rivers, lakes, and ponds. In the
spring, it proceeds, if practicable, to ‘ascend the
stream, for depositing its spawn. At this season it
is found in our markets, and sold under the ex-
traordinary name of nine-eyes ; although the branchial
Openings, called eyes, are but seven on each side.
Lampreys are disgusting objects to the sight; and
ill-fitted for the human stomach.

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OF REPTILES IN GENERAL.

Havin gone so much at length in the former part
of our work, we can now only give a very brief
sketch of what remains.

Reptiles. consist of oviparous quadrupeds, and
serpents; feet being assigned to the former, while
the latter are, without them. Some of this class
live in the water, others on land; some possess
the capability in different degrees, of living both
on land and in water. External heat seems essen-
tial to them, or they fall into a state of torpor ;.
their internals are such that they seem almost
insensible of pain, discovering but little suffering,
even when cut to pieces. The sight of these
creatures, in general, is good; but their hearing,
smell, taste, and touch, are extremely obtuse. The.
half existence of reptiles, however, does in a great
measure account for their extreme longevity. The
crocodile continues to grow during its entire life,
and hence is ever young. The same is true of
serpents, which, among the Egyptians and Greeks,
were even regarded as emblems of eternity.

There is one singular property in reptile races,
which must not be overlooked ;—the power of re-
producing certain parts of the body, as the tail, or:
feet, when by accident they chance to lose them:
this has long been known to be the fact, especially
in salamanders and lizards. Reptiles are likewise
remarkable for their extreme tenacity of life, and
for the long duration of fibrous irritability after
death. The dismembered limbs of frogs under

244:

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| | ON REPTILES IN GENERAL.

galvanic excitement, sufficiently demonstrates this ;

| while the fangs of poisonous serpents have been
known to do their murderous office long after the
death of the animal. The nutritive system in :rep-
tiles is always feeble, hence they can endure excessive
abstinence without apparent injury.

In European climates, the majority of reptiles
breed in shady and humid land; but the larger
number of reptiles are found in the morasses, lakes,
and rivers of tropical climates. In countries subject
to periodical inundations from rivers, the land: and
water seem to contend for the mastery of monstrous
births. Reptiles are all provided with arms, ag-
gressive or defensive. To the tortoise is given
its carapace and plastron; lizards possess extreme
agility and fear, as a means of escape, and a sure
retreat from the storm in some hole or cavern; to
the crocodile is imparted a complete suit of armour,
with teeth of surpassing power; to the gigantic boa
strength is imparted, exceeding that of Sampson, |
and a power of deglutition unparalleled ; to many of
the serpent tribe, terrible venom fangs are given -
as a means of defence.

Great variety exists in the teeth of reptiles. . The
\ teeth of lizards are of the canine kind; those of the
) crocodile are very numerous and long, extending
through the entire jaw; serpents have sharp teeth
in both jaws; and some, like fishes, have them in
the palatine arches also. In addition, the venomous
serpents have very sharp and long teeth in the upper -
jaw, which are hollowed like a funnel, through
which, from glands beneath the teeth, a yellowish ©
| poison is secreted. The virulence of this poison,
245

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—.




SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

however, greatly depends upon the state of the
animal, and the season of the year. In all cases
it is highly dangerous. Tortoises, generally speak-
ing, are without teeth.

Reptiles, with few exceptions, live on animal food ;
but their digestive powers are extremely feeble.
Some of them also are oviparous, others ovovivi-
parous, or viviparous, and others, as the frog and
toad, deposit spawn in the water, like fishes. The
fecundity of almost all is surprising; and but for
the immense destruction to which the young are
exposed, would soon become alarming. The forest
of Fontainebleau, only a few years ago, so swarmed
with vipers, that the government were obliged to
adopt means for their extirpation. The feelings of
maternity among this class of animals, are apparent
but in few cases.

The voice of reptiles is but seldom heard, ex-
cepting during the season of love. Then, croco-
diles howl loudly ; serpents express their feelings by
hissings; and frogs are also in full tune. A traveller
on the desert shores of the Volga, heard, in the
evening, a noise at a distance, like a joyous assembly
of men and women laughing very heartily; on a
nearer approach, he found, to his astonishment, that
the noise proceeded from an assembly of black toads,
which were celebrating tbeir nuptial orgies.

Reptiles are divided into four great families. The
chelonians, or tortoises; the saurians, or lizards;
the ophidians, or serpents: and the batrachians, or
frogs.

246

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TORTOISE AND TURTLE




CLASS IV.—REPTILIA, OR REPTILES,

TORTOISES.

In Hesrew, Zzav.—In ENGLIsH, The Protuberunt.

“ These also shall be unclean unto you, among the creeping
things that creep upon the earth; the weasel, and the mouse,
and the TORTOISE after his hind.”—LEVITICcUs, xi., 29.

LorToIsES are distinguished externally by a double
shield, in which all their body is enclosed, except-
ing the head, neck, tail, and feet. The upper
shield, or carapace, is formed from eight pair of ribs,
which become widened and united together; the
breastplate or plastron usually consists of nine
pieces, which ramify in like manner as the upper
shield; the vertebra, or bones of the neck and tail,
being alone moveable. The animal breathes through
the mouth. Tortoises have no teeth, the jaws being
covered with a kind of horn: they can, notwith-
standing, bite severely. They are viviparous, de-
positing their eggs in the sand for the sun to invi-
gorate them.

The Common Torrotse (festudo greca) has a
hemispherical shell, marbled with black and yellow ;
the feet are short, and covered with ovate scales;
the tail, which is short, terminates in a horny tip.
It is found in all the countries of Southern Europe.
Towards the end of autumn it digs its winter retreat
in the ground, not reappearing until about the
middle of April: during this retreat the animal
takes no food. It is remarkable for its longevity,
and tenacity of life. Itis a well ascertained fact

247



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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTOKY.

that about the year 16338, a tortoise of this kind
was brought. to the archiepiscopal palace of Lam-
beth, then’ occupied by the notorious archbishop
Laud. This animal survived: until the year 1753,
when it was supposed to have perished, rather, from
accidental neglect, than old age. Cabbages, let-
tuces, and other such plants, constitute its favourite
food.

Sea tortoises, or turtles, have their feet flattened
into scaly fins; their toes are unequal, being elon-
gated, scaly, and united by a membrane with very
small nails upon their exterior border, terminated by
scaly lamine: Of these the Green Tortie (chelo-
nia mydas) is the most common. This tortoise ex-
ceeds all others in size and weight, being six or
seven feet long, and weighs seven or eight hundred
pounds. The green turtle is commonly found on
the low, arid, sandy shores of both continents, prin-
cipally. however under the torrid zone. At certain
periods these animals are observed to quit the
bottom of the sea, and repair, in crowds, towards
the mouth of great rivers. They are very timid,
never secking to defend themselves. About the
month of April the females deposit their eggs in a
dry place on the shore, excavating the sand with
their fins: they will sometimes deposit a hundred
eggs during a single night. In this manner, with
an interval of fourteen days, or three weeks, they
will lay three successive sets of eggs. Twenty-one

days elapse before the young appear. Large num-;

bers of turtles are every season sent to this country,
chiefly from Jamaica.


THE CROCODILE.
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CROCODILES.
In Hesrew, Let yathan. —In Encuisu, The Well-Compacted.

| ‘ Canst thou draw out LEVIATHAN with a hook? or his tongue
with a cord which thou lettest down? Cunst thou put a
hook tnto his nose? or bore his jaw through wth a thorn ?
Will he make many supplications unto thee? will he speak
soft words unto thee? Wilt he muke a covenant with thee ?
wilt thou take him for a servunt for ever? Wilt thou play
with him as witha bird? or wilt thou bind him for thy
maidens? Shall thy companions make a banquet of him?
shall they part kim among the merchants? Cunst thou fill
his skin with barbed trons? or his head with fish spears § ?
Lay thine hand upon him, remember the battle, do ro more.’
—Jop, xli., 1—8 inclusive.

)

)

)

] THis beautiful and poetical description must refer
to that monstrous reptile—the CrocopiLz or THE
Nie (lacerta crocodilus). This terrific reptile is
) often found from twenty to thirty feet in length,
) with an elongated and flattened head, which is
) rounded at the extremity. The number ‘of teeth in
) the upper jaw is usually thirty-six, and in the lower
thirty, which are strong, conical, striated, and of
unequal length. It surpasses, says Lacépéde, both
the eagle and the lion in size, and with few excep-
) tions, has no equal in nature. The skin is covered
1 with small bucklers which are proof against the
}) sword and the musket-ball: this renders the animal
1 almost invulnerable. The calls of hunger make
}) crocodiles extremely voracious: they can however
)) Yemain a long time without eating. Unless near
‘ the equator, these animals bury themselves in the
mud during the entire winter. Their longevity is
(Vor. 11. 2k 249

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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY,

believed to be great. Though heavy on land, they
swim with great facility. The females lay two or
three times in a year at short intervals, about twenty
in number, which they bury in the sand: the eggs
in size are about twice as large as the egg of a
goose, and of a whitish colour. The young, when
born, betake themselves to the water. At the end
of a year the young are still both small and feeble.
This Egyptian monster is now seldom found within
the delta of the Nile, having retired to a greater
distance.

The Autieator (lacerta alligator) has a broad
muzzle, and teeth of unequal length. The colour
nearly resembles the foregoing species, being of a
blackish-green colour. It abounds in the lakes and
rivers of Carolina and Florida, no less than in those of
Guiana and Brazil. In general alligators are of less
size than the true crocodiles; but they vary in dif-
ferent localities: their ferocity is also less.

LIZARDS.

In Hesrew, Lotaah.—In EnGuisu, Creeper.
“ And the ferret, and the CHAMELEON, and the LIzARN, and the

snail, and the MOLK, these are unclean to you.”—LEVITICUS,
xi., 30, 31.

Lizarps form a very numerous family. They in-

habit various parts of the world, equally delighting

in hot and temperate climates. Although disagree-

able in form, they are in general very agile, and often

of brilliant colours. None of them are venomous,
250




THE ALLIGATOR,


CHAMELEON AND GREEN LIZARD.






















THE GECHO.
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LIZARDS.

but will bite with great violence when attacked.

hey never go into the water, are found only in
pairs, and in temperate climates pass the winter in a
lethargic state. They are also extremely timid.
They feed on insects, frogs, mice, and other small
animals. The larger lizards will even attack ser-
pents, though in this kind of combat they are sel-
dom: victorious. Lizards are frequently eaten by
uncivilized tribes.

The Green Lizarp (lacerta viridis) ranks among
the larger of its species, frequenting woods in low
situations, but exposed to the sun.

The Geckos form another branch of the lizard
family, and are both disgusting in appearance, and
poisonous also. From the lobules of the toes a
poison exudes which adheres to provisions over
which they may chance to run. Hasselquist re-
lates, that at Cairo he saw two women and a gir!
who were at the point of death, in consequence of
having eaten some cheese, over which these reptiles
had crawled. Their bite is also poisonous.

The Housr-Gucxo (lacerta gecko) is common in
countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, and in
southern Europe. It creeps into the house, and has
such tenacity in its webbed feet, that it can run
with facility upon glass. It feeds upon insects.

The CuamMeELeon (chameleon vulgaris) has long
been celebrated for its supposed faculty of living
upon air, and for changing its colour. Its name in
the Hebrew scriptures, according to Bochart, is
Teshameth, or the breather, though in the Bible
translated the Mois. Pliny, the naturalist, asserts
that the chameleon is the only animal which neither.
251.





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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY,

eats or drinks, the air serving it for food. It does
partially change its naturally green colour to yellow
or grey, but this depends on the will of the animal,
and on the state of its health. It walks very slowly,
sometimes remaining on the same branch for en-
tire days. Flies are its principal food. Chameleons
are only found in the warmest parts of Asia and
Africa, and are caressed by the natives, being very
gentle and unoffending.

The Icuanas form another branch of the lizard
family, and are often found of large size. Though
Cisgusting in appearance, they are singularly quiet
and harmless. They abound in the West Indies.

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NON-VENOMOUS SERPENTS.

We now come to an extensive and most revolting
class of reptiles, the serpent tribe; against which a
war of extermination is ever waging, whether they

_ be harmless or dangerous. Where the population
is large, these marauders are rare; but in the
‘ forests and morasses of tropical countries they are
frightfully numerous, often grow to large size, and
become dangerous to man from their strength, if not
from their poison.

The whole class of serpents range very low in the
scale of animals, their senses generally being feebly
developed; and unless excited by the rays of a
tropical sun, or the cravings of hunger, are slug-
gish and timid. In temperate climates snakes
usually pass the winter in a state of torpidity.
252 i

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NON-VENOMOUS SERPENTS.

These reptiles almost invariably feed on living flesh ;
they never drink, digest slowly, and eat seldom. A
single meal will often suffice for many weeks; yet
when the opportunity occurs, they will eat an enor-
mous mass of food at a time. Many serpents,
from the peculiar dilatable structure of the jaws and
throat, will swallow animals even larger than them-
selves. All the ophidians or snakes are furnished
with teeth, which are rather prehensile than masti-
catory, the food being always swallowed whole. The
poisonous kinds have glands at the root of the teeth
which generate poison, and which the animal’ has
the power of ejecting into the wounds which it in-
flicts. This is sometimes of so virulent a nature,
that a person bitten will survive, after the bite, only
a few minutes. Of the serpent tribe, however, only
about eighty out of two hundred and thirty-three
possess this dangerous means of defence. The
greater number of this family is oviparous; some are
viviparous.

The Common Snake (Natrix torquata) of our own
country, is a pretty harmless creature, and easily
tamed. It is found in damp meadows and hedge-
rows, especially in the neighbourhood of water.
Snakes are often to be found in gardens, attracted
thither by the warmth of hot-beds, or heaps of
manure ; where also their eggs are deposited. This

also pursues its prey with great determination, as
mice and small birds, but especially frogs. The
colour of the common snake is a yellowish-green ;
but in foreign countries varieties of this species are

253

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| SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY,

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Amongst the non-venomous serpents the Boas
(( claim special notice, from their immense size and
(( strength: being thirty or forty feet long, or even
{( more. They derive their name from a false tradi-
{( tion, that they fasten upon the teats of cows, and
suck their milk. The oa-constrictor owes its tor-
tuous actions, and enormous muscular power, to a
peculiar organization. The vertebre, or back-bones,
: and the ribs, constitute the entire skeleton. These

being acted upon by five-sets of muscles, give to this:

gigantic reptile an amazing power of constriction,
enabling it to strangle and break the bones of large
animals, or even of man himself. When the prey is
dead, the snake unfolds itself, covers its prey with a
mucous saliva, and then swallows it whole, begin-
ning with the head. These formidable reptiles are
chiefly found in Africa and South America. Ser-
pents of large size are also found in India; but these,
differing a little from the doas in their anatomy,
have been called pythons. Specimens of each kind
may be seen in the Gardens of the Regent’s Park.
A negro herdsman, in the employ of governor
Abson, Western Africa, was one day seized by one
of these monsters by the thigh. The serpent, happily
for the poor fellow, in attempting to throw itself
around the man, got entangled with a tree; and
the negro being thus preserved from the compres-
/ sion of the snake, had presence of mind enough
‘ to cut the serpent with a large knife which he had
’ with him until he killed it; thus disengaging him-
: self from his frightful situation. He became how-
ever permanently lame, from the bites which the

| serpent had inflicted.
} 254





Se 3


THE BOA CONSTRICTOR,


SS ae a.

POISONOUS 8ERPENTS.

The Buack Snake (coluber constrictor) is very
-eommon in North America; its bite is not dangerous,
though the creature is very strong, defending itself

obstinately when attacked. It is also an expert -

climber, and is in consequence much feared by the
smaller birds while rearing their young. When this
marauder is attacked by the parent birds, notwith-
standing its courage, it is compelled to make a retreat.
The black snake in America holds the place of the
common snake of Europe.



POISONOUS SERPENTS.

In Hesrew, Tziphone.—In ENGLISH, The Hisser.

“ They hatch COCKATRICE’ eggs, and weave the spider’s web: he
that eateth of their eggs dieth, and that which ts crushed
breaketh out into a viper.” —IsalaH, lix., 5.

Iv is believed that the word cockatrice means the
viper, which is a dangerous reptile everywhere, but
especially in hot and sandy countries. “ There is a
viper,” says Dr. Shaw, “ called leffah, or effah, which,
though not of large size, is extremely malignant, its
bite occasioning death, without timely remedies are
applied, ina very few minutes. It is common on the
southern side of the Atlas Mountain, and, from its
‘brazen colour, may probably be the fiery serpent
mentioned by Moses in the twenty-first chapter of
the Book of Numbers.” The viper, though viviparous,
‘produces her young from eggs formed in the belly of
the mother; but if the egg by any means is crushed,
255









a dS Ser a a ea
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the young viper becomes disengaged, and leaps out,
prepared for mischief. This curious natural fact

es ~~ TO
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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.
:

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reconciles the statement of the prophet with the {
truth of natural history. (
The Common VirEr (coluber berus), is the only |

) poisonous reptile which we have in England. Its |
length rarely exceeds two feet, its colour sombre, its |
motions slow, and its shape inelegant. The food of

) the viper consists of small animals, young birds, and )
| insects. It is torpid during the winter; in the }
warmer months its bite is serious, and sometimes
fatal. The viper is found throughout Europe, and is

everywhere to be dreaded.

) The Hasx of Egypt is believed to be the true aspic,
) or asp, of antiquity. Its history is connected with the
) renowned Cleopatra, the beautiful queen of Egypt, and
) mistress of Anthony. On the decline of her fortune,
) she applied one of these reptiles to her breast, and |
) died in consequence of the wound which it inflicted.
This dangerous serpent is often referred toin the Holy
Scriptures by the name of adder, or asp. When pro-
voked, the Aajé swells, and extends its neck greatly ;
it then springs with a single bound upon its enemy.
It has the habit of rearing up when approached, and
expanding the skin of its neck, which is very dilatable,
into akindof hood. TheEgyptians regarded this horrid
reptile as the guardian divinity of their country, and
hence it was sculptured on the portico of all their tem-
ples. In common with other poisonous snakes, it is
furnished with glands at the root of the teeth, which
secrete poison; this the creature can inject into the



wounds it inflicts, often proving fatal in the course

of a few minutes.
256

ST a ees NS eS ee






COBRA CAPELLA AND ADDER.


COMMON SNAKE AND VIPER.


THE RATTLE SNAKE.




THE RATTLE-SNAKE,.

The Copra pi Careia, or spectacled snake, so
called from a mark on the skin of the neck resembling
a pair of spectacles, is common in India, and belongs
to the same family, being no less fierce and dan-
gerous. Yet these reptiles are tamed by the Indian
jugglers, and taught a number of little tricks. This

extraordinary exhibition was lately to be seen in

the Zoological Gardens, Regent’s-park, and attracted
great attention.

The Rarrie-Snaxe (crotolus horridus) of North
America, is the last of the poisonous ophidians which
we can notice. These terrible serpents have been
known from the earliest period of the discovery of
America, by the danger of their bite, and the pecu-
liar appendages of their tail, which caused them to
be called rattle-snakes. The tail of this snake is
short and somewhat thick, the rattles forming the
extremity. These rattles consist of a number of
light hollow bones, received within each other, the
animal having, by a peculiar mechanism, the power
of shaking them, when it fears an attack. The
number of bones vary from one to thirty, or even
more; and it is believed that one is added yearly,
when the skin is thrown. These reptiles were
formerly both numerous and of large size, some
having been found ten feet in length, and eight
inches in diameter; but they are fast fading away
before an increasing population. Most animals,
horses and dogs especially, dread the rattle-snake :
smaller animals seldom attempt to escape when
surprised by it, but become petrified with terror.
Hogs however, will attack and feed upon them,
which is also the case with some of the larger birds.



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VOL, II. 2.1L 257 |








SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTONY.

The poison of these serpents is so dangerous, that
the slightest bite will kill almost the largest animal
in a few minutes, the wound becoming gangrenous,
and the victim dying in frightful agony. Yet the
traveller, M. Bosc, was so little afraid of them, that
he took all those alive which he met with. Rattle-
snakes are confined to America; but in India, poison-
‘ ous snakes of various kinds are very common.

The Hypri, or water serpents, are far from un-
| common, some of them being poisonous. They are
) distinguished by their flat tails, and are chiefly
( found in the Indian seas and rivers.

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)
)
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FROGS.
In Hesrew, Tzephardaia.—In ENGLISH, The Mud-dweller.

“Their land brought forth FROGS in abundance.”—PSALM
cy., 30

Tur fourth class of reptiles includes frogs, fades
and salamanders.

The Common Froe (rana temporaria) is so well
» Known that it is unnecessary. to describe it. It
) must be ranked with the cleanest and most harm-
} less of creatures, changing its skin about every
/ eighth day. It passes the winter in a torpid state,
' though, early in the spring, the croaking of the.
‘ male frog is heard, bemg the note of love. The
_ female, on shedding her spawn, has it impregnated
i by the male; and which, after an interval of about.
i} 258

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FROG AND TOAD,
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forty days, shows signs of life. She will produce
from six to eleven hundred eggs at atime. The
tadpole, on leaving the egg, first feeds upon the
mucus with which it is surrounded, and afterwards
upon pond-weed. When about ninety days old, the

tadpole begins to change its form, and after'a few (

days more, the entire frog is developed. This is one
of the most extraordinary transformations in nature.

state was strictly a vegetarian, then becomes carni-
vorous. ‘To supply itself with suitable food, the
frog is obliged to quit the water and seek upon land
for worms and insects, which it always eats alive.
Frogs are extremely tenacious of life, and will live
without food for a considerable time. The full
term of their life is believed to be about twelve
years. There are several species of the frog,
though in habits they are all essentially the same.
In some places they are distinguished by the name
of Dutch nightingales, or fen organs, from the noise
which they make.

The Toap (bufo vulgaris) has for ages possessed
a bad character, though supposed to be harmless,
unoffending, and free from poison, as the frog. Some
recent experiments, however, demonstrate that the
toad and the salamander are not quite so harmless
‘as was believed.. They exude a liquid from their
bodies, which renders the skin highly poisonous; so
much so, that a small animal inoculated with the
poison, died in the course of afew minutes. Although
the toad resembles the frog in most respects, yet there

_ is reason to believe that they never associate together.
259



With a change of figure, the appetite of this reptile
changes also, so that the animal which in its tadpole
i
)
\
SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

SO a RO A rE PES
SI gO GR EPC FEE RR



Mr. Arscott gives some curious particulars respecting
a toad. “Concerning the toad,” says this gentleman,
“that lived so many years with us, and was so great
a favourite, the greatest curiosity was its becoming
so remarkably tame. I knew it myself above thirty
years; and by constantly feeding it, brought it to
be so tame, that it always came to the candle and
looked up, as if expecting to be taken up and
brought upon the table, where I always fed it with
insects of all sorts. It was fondest of flesh maggots,
which I kept in bran; it would follow them, and
when within a proper distance, would fix its eyes,
and remain motionless for nearly a quarter of a
minute, as if preparing. for the stroke, which was an
instantaneous throwing of its tongue at a great dis-
tance upon the insect, which stuck to the tip by a
glutinous matter.” Spiders and millepedes were
also its favourite food. This singular mmate, at
length, from an injury it sustained from a tame
raven, died. There are many species of the toad,
but what is said of one kind, almost equally belongs
to another.

The Common SataManveER (lacerta salamandra),
Pliny, that prince of naturalists, gravely tells us, is
very poisonous, indestructible by fire, and of neither
sex, a progeny being formed by some unintelligible
mode of production. All this our modern naturalists
have disproved, showing that the terrestrial salaman-
der, though disgusting in form, is, notwithstanding, one
of the most harmless of reptiles. It is spread nearly
all over Southern Europe, living in humid places,
caverns, and ruined buildings. The salamander sel-
dom quits its hole, being dull, destitute of courage,

260





























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Slo oeoatrrmreer

INVERTEBRATE ANIMALS.

slow, and heavy. Its food consists of worms and flies"
Other animals seem to have an instinctive horror of
it, although its bite is perfectly harmless. The
salamander utters no cry, never by any chance goes
into the water, and, like the viper, is ovoviparous.
The Water Salamander, or Common Err (séren lacer-
tina), agrees, in its principal anatomical conformation,
with the species just described, differing chiefly by its
flat tail, which adapts it for living habitually in the
water; it, however, sometimes quits the water in the
evening, when the weather is hot or stormy. This’
reptile deserves special notice, from the astonishing
faculty of reproducing parts which have been removed
by accidents, and those, too, with all their peculiar
bones, muscles, and arteries.

All the animals hitherto described are vertebrate,
or have a skeleton, more or less complete, and form
the first great Diviston of Naturat History.



DIVISION II.

INVERTEBRATE ANIMALS.

Tur classes now to be briefly noticed are all without
any skeleton, or external frame-work, and form the
second great prvision of our subject. They are
divided into three sections—first, the Mollusca;
second, the Articulated; third, the Radiated.

Section —THE MOLLUSCA.

ConcHonoey, or a knowledge of shells, has long
‘been a favourite study, while an acquaintance
2 al



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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

|
with the animals which inhabit those shells was (
for a long period overlooked. Baron Cuvier, \
and other modern naturalists, have formed these
animals into a system, calling them mollusca, or
soft, because the majority of the animals bearing
this appellation are remarkable for the softness of
their flesh. Naked or shell-less animals being soft,
are also included in this class. The common snail
may be taken. as a type of the one class, while the
common slug may represent that of the other. Nearly
all the mollusca have a development of the skin,
bearing some resemblance to a mantle. This, in the
naked mollusca, is simply membraneous or fleshy,
but when the mantle becomes so much developed,
that the contracted animal finds shelter beneath it,
the term testaceous, or shelly, is applied to it.

The variety in the form, colour, and brilliancy of
shells, is almost infinite. The animals also inhabiting
them are no less diversified. The stomachs of these
creatures are sometimes simple, sometimes multiple,
and their intestines variously prolonged. Some,
again, possess the faculty of self-impregnation; others,
although hermaphrodites, require reciprocal inter-
course. Many have the sexes separated. Again, the
body of some resembles a sac, open in front, whence
issues the head, crowned with long fleshy arms, by
means of which ‘they crawl, and seize their prey. Of
this class the cutéle-jish, or nautilus, may serve as an
example. Others, as their principal organs of loco-
motion, have two membraneous fins situated in the
sides of the neck. Of this family the clio borealis, a
kind of sea-snail, may be reckoned as the type. A
+ third class craw] by means of a fleshy disc on their




SHELLS AND CORALS.
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belly, and are either naked, like the slug, or tes-
taceous, like the snail: the shell of all the latter,
however, is not large enough to take in the entire
body of the animal. Others, again, have their mouth
hidden in the bottom of the mantle, which also
encloses the arms and bowels, and is open, either
at one, or both of its extremities. This class have no
apparent head: the common oyster will serve for an
example. In another class of the mollusca, which
have bivalve shells, the mantle has two lobes, and is
always open; the animal also has fleshy arms, with
numerous filaments, which can be withdrawn at plea-
sure into the shell. ‘The common English anomia, a
kind of mussel or cockle, may represent this class.
The lepas, or duck barnacle, a multivalve shell, will
serve as a type of the sixth and last variety of the mol-
lusca. This animal, though very similar to the others,
yet differs from them in having numerous horny and
articulated limbs, together with a nervous system.
Our limits forbid our entering farther into this
subject, but it may be useful to give a general idea
of the Suztts which the mollusca inhabit, and which,
when cleaned and polished, form beautiful objects
for the cabinet or the mantle-piece.

LIST OF SHELLS.
L.—_MULTIVALVES, OR SHELLS WITH MANY VALVES.

. Chiton.—Coat of mail: twenty-eight species.

. Lepas.—Acorn-shell : thirty-two species.

. Pholus.—Stone piercer: twelve species.
TI.—BrvaLves, oR SHELLS WITH TWO VALVES.

4, Mya.—Truncate, trough-shell, or gaper : twenty-six species.
5. Solen.—Razor-sheath, or knife -handle: twenty-three speci 28.

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22.
23.

24,

33.
. Serpula.—Worm shell : forty-eight species.
. Teredo.—Ship worm : three species.

. Sabelia,—Sabella: twenty-five species.

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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

. Tellina.—Tellen : ninety-four species.

. Cardium.—Cockle, or heart-shell: fifty-two species.

. Mactra.—Kneading-trough : twenty-seven species.

. Donax.—Wedge-shell : nineteen species.

. Venus.—Venus: one hundred and fifty-three species.
. Spondylus.—Thorny oyster, or artichoke-head: four species.
. Chama.—Clamps, or clams: twenty-five species.

. Arca.—Ark : forty-three species.

. Ostrea.—Oyster and scallop: thirty-six species,

. Anomia.—Anomia, or antique lamp: fifty-one species.
. Mytilus.—Mussel : sixty-four species.

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. Pinna.—Fin-shell, or sea wing : eighteen species.

III.—UNIVALVE, SINGLE VALVE WITH REGULAR SPIRE.

. Argonauta.—Paper sailor : five species.

. Nautilus.—Pearly sailor: thirty-one species.
. Conus.—Cone: eighty-three species.

21.

Cyprea.—Cowry, or gowrie: one hundred and twenty
species.

Bulla.—Dipper, or bubble: fifty-two species.

Voluta.—Volute, or wreath: one hundred and forty-four
species.

Buccinum.—Whelk : two hundred species.

Strombus.— Winged, or claw-shell: fifty-three species.

Murex.—Rock, or trumpet-shell: one hundred and eighty-
two species.

. Trochus.—Top-shell : thirty-three species.

27
{ 28.
29,
30.
31.
)
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Turbo.—Wreath, gig, or top-shell: one hundred and fifty-
one species.

Helix.—Snail or spiral: two hundred and sixty-seven
species.

Nerita.—Nerit, or hoof-shell: seventy-six species.

Haliotis.—Sea-ear, or ear-shell: nineteen species.

IV.—UNIVALVES, WITHOUT A REGULAR SPIRE.

. Patella—Limpet, or dish-shell: two hundred and forty

species.
Dentalium.—Tooth, or tusk-shell : twenty-two species.

264

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ARTICULATED ANIMALS.

It is remarkable that shells are nowhere noticed:
in Scripture. The word Corat occurs twice. “No
mention,” says Job, chap. xxviii. 18, “shall be made
of corat, or pearls, for the price of wisdom is above
rubies.’ Pliny observes, “that the coral was highly
esteemed anciently.” The Indians value coral as
highly as we value pearls.



SEcrion II.— ARTICULATED ANIMALS.

We proceed to notice the second section of inverte-
brate animals, in which the body of the animal, and in
general the limbs also, are surrounded by articulated
rings, affording a support for the soft parts, and an
attachment for the muscles. They range higher in
the scale of beings than the mollusca, though, like
them, they possess no frame-work or skeleton.
They are divided into four classes; (1,) the ANNE-
Lipzs, or worms with red blood; (2,) the Crusta-
cza, or shell fish; (8,) the ARACHNIDES, or spiders ;
and (4,) Insscts.

Cxass 1.—The body of ANNELIDES, or worms with
red blood, is soft, elongated, articulated, or divided
into segments or transverse folds. Some of them
form tubes to live in, either of calcareous matter
exuded from their own body, or from foreign sub-
stances; to which tubes, however, they are not
attached. These are the tenants of the four last
species. of shells, already referred to in our list of
shells. None of this family have feet; but the
greater number have sefe, or bundles of stiff and

VOL. II. 2M 265





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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

moveable hairs, which supply their place. They are
generally hermaphrodite, though some of them have
need of a reciprocal intercourse. Their food con-
sists partly of insects, and partly of vegetables.
Almost all of them live in the water; many bury
themselves in holes in the mud or sand. The sea
lumbrici, or «worms, though forming a numerous
and diversified family, yet require no particular
notice. The lumbrici terrestres, or common earth-
worms, so well known, are the only animals of this
class which do not enter the water. They are
destitute of eyes, attain to about a foot in length,
and their body is divided by about a hundred and
twenty rings. They pierce the earth in all direc-
tions, and with considerable ease. At least twenty
distinct species are known. Leeches form a numer-
ous family amongst the annelides.

The Common Leercu (hirudo medicinalis,) so use-
ful in local bleedings, is well known to most persons.
This reptile is furnished with a three-fold, or trian-

gular jaw, with two ranges of very fine teeth, which
acts like a cupping glass. The leech is usually of
) blackish colour, striped with yellow. It seems ex-
traordinary that the blood with which the leech will
| gorge itself, does not go into the stomach, but into
\ distinct vessels: hence a single meal will suffice
; for more than a year, since part of the blood taken
) may be found still in a liquid state within the
) animal.
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Crass II.—CRUSTACEA, OR SHELL-FISH.

Unver the general head of Crustacea all animals

are included, which are covered with a crustaceous
or shelly substance. Most of them feed on putrescent

‘animal matter, and in all, the sexes are distinct.

This class of animals is farther distinguished by hav-
ing articulated feet, at the least six, in number.
Their eyes are of two sorts: simple eyes, usually

three in number, in the form of a small lens; or

composite eyes, which are curiously divided into a
number of lenses. In some genera the eyes are of

both kinds. Other organs are found in the crustacea,

and insects which are peculiar to them, namely, the
antenne, or feelers, which are affixed to the head,
and are infinitely diversified in form.

The Crab family, first to be noticed, is one of con-
siderable extent, and scattered almost throughout
the world. Crabs are so well known, as scarcely
to require description. They are all oviparous, are

_slow in growth, but live a long time. Some of them

attain a very large size. They remain habitually in
the water, but do not perish directly on being ex-
posed to the air. Some species pass the largest
portion of their life on land, only visiting the water
during the season of love. They possess in an
eminent degree the extraordinary faculty of regen-
erating their limbs when. lost by accident—a process
which is done with great rapidity.

The Common Cras (cancer pagurus) has nine folds
in its shell, on each side, with three holes in the
front. It is found on all the European peu Rocky

26





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coasts they prefer, on which they are abundant during
the summer months. At low water they are often
found in pairs, concealed in the holes of rocks. Crabs
are usually taken in wicker trap-nets, sunk in the
sea, and baited with garbage.

The Lanp, or Vrotet Cras (cancer ruricola) is a
singular variety, being found chiefly in the moun-
tains of tropical climates, where it burrows in the
ground. About April these crabs, leaving their
retreats, assemble in amazing numbers, and proceed
towards the sea, where they deposit their spawn;
which done, after a short sojourn in the water, they
retire again to the mountains. Crabs of this species
are common in the Bahama islands, and other parts
within the tropics. Though small in size, they are
said to be good eating.

The Hermit Cras (cancer bernhardus), deserves a
passing notice, from its inhabiting a deserted shell
which may lie on the sea-shore. One is generally |
chosen a little larger than is necessary, to allow for its
own growth; and, in case of need, it will desert the
old shell on finding one larger and more to its liking.

The next in this family to be noticed is the Com-
mon Losster (cancer gammarus.) Lobsters, like
crabs, are fond of being in the neighbourhood of
rocks, and are in consequence scattered around the
coasts of Great Britain in great number. On the
northern coast they are found in smaller numbers,
being more susceptible of cold and stormy weather
than crabs. ‘Lobsters change their shells annually,
during which process they withdraw for security into
holes and crevices of rocks; the new shell soon har-
dens, when they leave their hiding-places. A female

268





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CRAB AND LOBSTER.
———————— So






















WOOD-LICE,

lobster will produce about twelve hundred eggs
during the spring and summer, placing them in the

sand, where they are soon hatched. The larve in |

appearance are not unlike tadpoles. The lobster can
run yery swiftly, and, when alarmed, will spring, tail
foremost, to a distance of thirty feet, repeating these
leaps with great rapidity. They often lose their
claws. This proves of only temporary inconvenience,
since the animal reproduces them in a very short
time.

Craw-FisH (cancer astacus) are found in most
European rivers, and are esteemed as food. Their
presence is said to be an index to the purity of the
waters which they inhabit. Prawns (palemon squilla)
inhabit the coasts of England and France. Surimps
(crangon vulgaris), inhabit chiefly the sandy coasts of
the European ocean. They live in numerous troops,
are found near the shore, and swim on the back with
great facility. Visitors to Margate need not be told
that they are taken in large quantities with a dredg-
ing net.

Woop-tice (onisci) are the last of the crustacea
which we can notice. They are well known and very

common. Their body is somewhat convex, and fur-*

nished with seven pair of short feet. Though pos-
sessing fourteen feet, they move but slowly, excepting
under excitement. Decayed vegetables serve them
for food. The ova of the female are enclosed ina
pectoral pouch, where also the young are for a time
concealed. They defend themselves like the hedge-
hog, by rolling into a ball-shape. Wood-lice were
formerly much used in medicine; even now these
pigs of St. Anthony, as they are salle’ constitute;
9

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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

when boiled in milk, a favourite remedy with some
practitioners, who attribute to them diuretic, ab-
sorbent, and aperient qualities. To most people, we
believe, such a beastly dose would be sure to prove
an emetic. None of this family are mentioned in
the Bible.

Crass II].—ARACHNIDA, OR SPIDERS.

Or the Srrper (in Hebrew, Achkavish ; in English,
the Weaver), Job says, ‘‘ Whose hope shall be cut
off, and whose trust shall be a spider’s web.” In
this passage, the Patriarch beautifully compares the
hope of the wicked to a spider’s web, which, though
ever so curious in texture, is so frail, that it is liable
to be broken and destroyed by the slightest accident,

Sripers form another extensive family, spread
throughout the world, and inhabiting air, earth, and
water. .In general, though disagreeable, they are
innoxious, at least, with few exceptions.

The Common GarpEen SripER (aranea diadema)

“being so well known, may serve as an example.

Like its compeers, it is carnivorous; is furnished
with eight eyes and subcircular mawille, and there-
fore well fitted as an aggressive warrior. The web
which it constructs, shows it to be no less cunning
than cruel, and formed for catching its prey. Ona
wet or dewy morning during summer, every bush
and tree in a garden, will be seen: covered with these
toils, stretched oat in a vertical position, between
adjacent branches. The first effort of the architect
270

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SPORPION AND SPIDER. i






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(
THE TARANTULA SPIDER.

| is to form a cable with his spinnerets, and from his
own body, of sufficient strength to bear the net
| which is intended to be hung upon it. After throw-
ing out a floating line, which soon becomes attached
to another branch, the spider doubles and redoubles
it, testing its strength, not merely by pulling with
its feet, but also by swinging upon it with the whole
weight of its body. In constructing this geometrical
net, the spider uses its limbs as a measure, to regu-
late the distances of the radii, and the circular
meshes interwoven into them. They are conse-
quently proportioned to the size of the spider. The
net being finished, the marauder usually makes the
centre its watch-tower, from whence it may dart
| down upon whatever prey may chance to get en-
tangled. On the webbed net becoming dirty, it is
) in a manner useless for the purposes designed: the
tenant-spider, in that case, will cleanse it of its
impurities; but if this cannot be done, some of the
web is broken off by this wary mechanist, rolled up,
and thrown away.
The Tarantota Spiper (aranea tarantula) was
formerly much thought of, from a tradition that its
bite, which was said to produce madness, might be
cured by the sounds of a musical instrument. It
inhabits the warmer parts of Europe ; forms its nest |

in the ground, about. four inches deep: this apart-

ment is about half an inch in breadth, lined with

silk, and closed at the mouth with a net. The
female will lay seven hundred eggs in a single season.
The Warer Spiper (aranea aquatica) is another \
remarkable species, found in most parts of Europe. })
It lives at the bottom of fresh waters, where it has )
271 i








SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY,
the brilliant appearance of silver, from a bubble of
air in which it is enclosed. These spiders can seek
their prey on dry ground; but whatever food they
procure, they retire to their abode in the water to (
eat it.

We close our account of this family with the |
Scorpion, which in Europe is only little more
than an inch long, but in India is five times that
length; its sting is everywhere severe, and often

dangerous. In shape scorpions greatly resemble a
lobster, so much so, that the Arabs call them land-

lobsters. They have two large palpi, the ends of

which form forceps ; the jaws are short, but rounded ;
the eyes, six or eight in number; the body oblong,

| and divided into many segments ; with a long kind of

) tail, terminated in an arched sting, and bent over

) their back. Scorpions live on land, concealing

) themselves under stones, in old walls, or houses,

always shunning the light. They are of a brownish

( colour. Scorpions are mentioned both in the Old

( and New Testament.—See Deut. viii. 15 ; Ezek. ii. 6 ;

/ Luke x.19; and Rev. ix. 8. The Hebrew name for

the scorpion is AkRaB, which literally signifies—Tur

FarHER-KILLER. It is remarkable that both Aristotle

and Pliny mention, that scorpions are accustomed

\ to destroy their young, but that one stronger than

the rest escapes, and in its turn, becomes the mur- |

derer of its parents. This, however, is rather the

language of fable than of truth.—(Pliny, Nat. Hist.

book xi., chap. 25.) :
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INSECTS.

Cuass IV.—INSECTA, or INSECTS.

Ir one part of the Creator’s works be more wonder-
ful than another, it is that of tnsecrs, since for
diversity of conformation they surpass every other.
Many insects are so minute, that the aid of the
microscope is indispensable. A machine is the more
admirable, and does the greater honour to its in-
ventor, in proportion as it is simple in relation to its
destined object, though complex as to the number
and variety of its parts. Great and small are but
comparative terms. To suppose that insects are
produced from equivocal generation, is most absurd,
and now justly exploded. The body of insects is
divided into three parts, the head, the thorax or
trunk, and the abdomen or belly. The antenne, or
horns, are of divers forms in different insects. The
two upper jaws, similar to strong teeth, are cailed
mandibles; the two lower alone, preserving the
name of jaws (mavzille.) On the back of these are
one or two jointed filaments, called palpi. Insects
with horny mandibles gnaw; those having the man-
dibles replaced by minute sete, suck. The legs are
attached to the thorax, and vary in number; some
have wings also, to the number of four, and attached
to the thorax. The wings are sometimes naked and
transparent, at other times covered with fine pow-
der. In beetles, the upper wings consist of opaque
plates, which open and shut longitudinally, forming
coverings to the membraneous wings; in others
again, the wing-cases are thinner, but furnished
VOL. II. 2N 273

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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

with ribs. The form and disposition of the wings
are much varied. The strong wings of beetles
produce a humming sound when they fly. The
feet of insects have two joints with phalanges, or
fingers, at the extremity, varying in number from
one to five. The form of the feet varies according
to the habits of the insect. Some have the power of
prehension in their feet, in others they are com-
pressed, serving as oars. In bees there is a peculiar
formation of the leg for carrying away the pollen
or dust from flowers. In others the feet are very
broad, and adapted for digging in the earth. The
abdomen of insects is composed of from six to nine
segments, each divided into two semicircular plates.
In some the end of the abdomen is armed with a
sting. The exterior envelope or skin of insects, which
is more or less’ solid, serves the double purpose of
outward protection and internal support. All insects
are without a skeleton. The appendages of the skin
consist of spines, hairs, and scales, performing im-
portant duties in insect economy. The muscles and
fluids perform the functions of vitality. The muscles
of insects are alike numerous, incitable, and minute.
Tn the caterpillar of one species, Lyonnet reckoned
upwards of 4,000 different muscles, while those: of
the human body do not exceed 529 in number. The
nervous system of insects arises from a brain placed
in the head, whence originate threads which extend
to the other parts of the body. Tach facet is hex-
agonal, and may be regarded as a crystalline lens.
The eye of a beetle consists of 3,18] such lenses, and
that of a butterfly of no less than 17,235. The organ
of hearing is not manifest in insects, though most of
274





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INSECTS.

them possess that faculty in a greater or less degree.
The sense of smelling appears yet more evidently
manifested, directing them often to places where
their food may be found. The covering of the body
being for the most part corneous, the sense of touch
is probably feeble. Insects, though destitute of lungs,
yet possess the means of producing sounds, and which
are generated similar to those produced by a drum,
or a stringed instrument. Insects feed on all kinds of
matter, vegetable and animal ; and most insects have
a preference to some particular kind of food. Many
also in their perfect state live on food quite different
from that on which they subsisted when in a state
of larve. Notwithstanding this, they instinctively
deposit their eggs upon the peculiar substances ne-
cessary for the food of the young. Many insects
subsist but on one kind of food, and are continually
eating, whilst those which are carnivorous, are capable
of enduring considerable abstinence. Living animals,
as well as all kinds of substances, are subject to the
attacks of insects for food. The organs of digestion
are more or less complicated, according to the habits
ofthe insect, and the nature of the food which it takes.
Some insects live in society, and are obliged to pro-
vide a supply of provisions during the summer for
winter’s use; others, as the ants, unite and work in
common, not only for their own subsistence, but also
for that of their Jarve. In insects the sexes are
always in different individuals, male and female, to
which, in some cases, @ third kind occurs, named
neuters. Insects, in general, are oviparous; a few
ovoviviparous. The fertility of insects is very great,
far exceeding that of birds, and only surpassed by
275





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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.



the reproductive powers of fish. A single fly will
produce in three months 746,490 flies similar to
itself; the silk-worm moth, 500 eggs; and those
living in society still more; the female wasp will
deposit 30,000 eggs, and the queen-bee from 40,000
to 50,000.

But the most wonderful feature in the history of
insects is the transformations which the same indi-
vidual undergoes during the different stages of its
existence. These transformations embrace three
states: in the first, the insect has no wings; in the
second, the animal falls into a state of apparent
lethargy ; and, in the third, displays the perfect !
insect. To this curious subject we shall take occa-
sion again to advert. The duration of insect life in
the perfect animal is subject to some variation ; but in
general, after reproduction, or the laying of their
eggs, the insect dies. Some, after this period, live |

ae

only a few hours; others, a few days or weeks. In
superior animals it is almost a general law that life
is prolonged in proportion to the length of time at
which they attain to puberty; amongst insects it is
not so. The ldarve of the goat-moth, for instance,
require three years to come to maturity ; while the
cabbage moth becomes a perfect insect in three

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months; yet they both live equally long. Insects
have at birth all the knowledge which they require,
and which enables them to perform their respective
tasks in the greatest perfection: this for want ofa
better term we call instinct ; but in truth, the circle of
their actions is marked out for them by a wisdom
which is infinite; but so limited, in many cases, is
this instinctive faculty, that the slightest deviation
276

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INSECTS.

from an ordinary routine will prove their destruction.
The migration of insects also, is not referable to the
same causes as the migration of birds ; but must be
attributed chiefly to an excessive multiplication of
the species, from causes favourable to reproduction.
The geographical limits of the different races of
insects, are far from being ascertained. We know
indeed, generally, that countries richest in vegetable
productions have the largest number of insects.
The actual number of insects distributed over the
surface of the earth, we have no precise data for
ascertaining ; but judging from the total number of
plants, Messrs. Kirby and Spence, our great ento-
mologists, conjectured that there must be at least,
400,000 distinct species. Of the uses of insects in
the economy of nature we have much to learn; yet
the individual who can discover no display of wis-
dom and power in this portion of the Creator’s
works, must surely have a mind too obtuse to dis-
cover any beauty in the most finished productions
of the fine arts.

“The wisdom of the Creator,” observes Latreille,
“never appears with more effect than in the struc-
ture of those minute beings which seem to conceal
themselves from observation; and Almighty power
is never more strikingly exhibited than in the concen-
tration of organs in such an atom. In giving life to
this atom, and constructing in dimensions so minute,
so many organs, susceptible of different sensations,
my admiration of the Supreme Intelligence is much
more heightened than by the contemplation of the
structure of the most gigantic animals.”

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SCRIPTURE NATUNAL HISTORY.

A table of the Twelve Orders into which Insects are divided ae-
( cording to the system of Baron Cuvier, and M. LaTREILLE.

ey
Order. Name. Explanation. Chenrleee
a 1 Myriapoda . .| Insects having more than six
Millepedes,
or Hundred-
legs.

feet disposed through the
whole length of the body on
a series of rings, without
wings, but with many jaws
Thysanoura . | Insects having six feet, the
belly furnished on the sides
with false feet, or appen-|Podura,
dages for leaping, and with-
out wings or jaws . .
8 Parasita ...| Parasite insects having six
feet, with a sucker, but no
jaws or wings .
Suctoria ...]| Insect-suckers with’ six feet,
and a sucker-like mouth,
but neither wings or jaws .
5 Coleoptera. .| Insects with six feet, four

be

es

also a sucker, but no jaws.

278

\ wings, the two upper case
\ formed, and the lower wings Beetles
( folded, ‘and with j jaws
( 6 Orthoptera... | Insects having six feet, with
| four straight ween and Locust
} jaws
\ 7 Hemiptera... Taal having six feet, with
{ four wings, the two upper | (Cochineal
) : of unequal consistence, also |( Insect.
) a sucker, but no jaws; some |) Bed-bug.
. a nets a prices “
europtera. .| Insects having six ‘eet, wit } Ai
| § four equal wings, and jaws Dragon-flies.
TWymenoptera | Insects having six feet, with
fee unequal wings, and eat Nbad
10 Lepidoptera . Toasts having six feet, with .
four powdery wings, also a pk Moti
sucker, but no jaws
11 Rhipiptera .| Insects having six feet, with
two wings folded like a fan, Sstyops
D 3 also a suchen 2 but no jaws .
iptere....| Insects having six feet, with
; ( two membraneous wings, pate and
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INSECTS.—ORDERS I. II. III. IV.



LICE.

In Heprew, Kinneem.—In Encuisu, The Fizers.

“ He spake, and there came divers sorts of flies, and LICE in all
their coasts.’—PSALM cv., 31. ;

Tats class of insects might well have been passed
over, but for their name occurring in Scripture.
They constituted one of the ten plagues inflicted
upon the Egyptians, before the exodus of the chil-
dren of Israel. ‘The Egyptians,” says Mr. Bryant,
“affected great external purity, and were very nice
both in their persons and clothing; bathing and
making ablutions continually. Uncommon care was
taken not to harbour any vermin. They were par-
ticularly solicitous on this head, thinking it would be
a great profanation of the temple which they entered,
if any animalcule of this sort was concealed in their
garments. The judgments, therefore, inflicted by
the hand of Moses were adapted to their prejudices.
It was, consequently, not only most noisome to the
people in general, but it was no small odium to the
most sacred order in Egypt, that they were overrun
with these filthy and detestable vermin.”

The Frza is likewise noticed by the sacred writers.
David says (1 Samuel, xxiv. 14), “After whom dost
thou pursue? after a flea?’ The Hebrew word is
parosh, which literally means the BACKWARD LEAPER.
An Arabian author thus describes this insect: “A
black, nimble, extenuated, hunch-backed - animal,
which, being sensible when any one gs oe it, jumps



oo —EEnrwoe-~@orooro——[


SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

incessantly, now on one side, now on the other, till
it gets out of sight.”



ORDER V.—COLEOPTERA.

BEETLES.

In HEBREW, Chargol.—In ENGLISH, The Eengthened-one.

“Even these of them ye may eat, the BEETLE after his kind.”
LEVITICUS, xi., 22.

(
(
( (
(
(
(
(
(
(
(
Tue Beetle family is one of large extent, and found |
under different varieties, in every country of the {
world. It is difficult to assign the precise kind of (
beetle here referred to. In the Septuagint it is (
called ophiomaches, or the serpent destroyer. Certain
it is that the scarabeus, or beetle, was accounted a
sacred animal by the Egyptians; its figure is still
\\ found sculptured even on the sepulchres of their (
kings. “Nothing,” says a late writer, “can be sup-
posed more natural than to imagine that a nation,
| addicted to polytheism as the Egyptians were, in
a country frequently suffering great mischief and
scarcity from swarms of devouring insects, should,
from a strange sense and fear of evil to come, give
sacred worship to the visible authors of these their {
sufferings, in hopes to render them more propitious
for the future.” According to Abbé Le Pluche, the
beetle, in Egypt, was regarded as the presiding deity |

of the air.

Amongst so large a family, all interesting, it is
difficult to select an example or two. We begin with
the May Bue, or Cocxcuarrer (Melolontha vul-

280

ot eel
NN






CATTERPILLARS AND BUTTERFLIES.
|. SWALLOW-TAILED. 2. TORTOISE-SHELL. 3. WHITE ADMIRABLE.


—3. DRAGON FLY.—4. GNAT

{. HERCULES BEETLE.—2. COCKCHAFER.


THE LADY-BIRD.

garis), being so well known. This beetle, in com-
mon with its compeers, passes through three states.
The female lays about sixty eggs, in a deep hole in
the earth, and which in about three months become
larve. The grub, or larva, lives in the ground for
four years, feeding on the roots of plants, and doing
great injury to the farmer. In the autumn of the
fourth year the grub, burying itself still deeper in
the ground, prepares a smooth chamber for itself,
and becomes a chrysalis. This state lasts for about
three months, when, having gradually changed its
colour to reddish-brown, by about January the per-
fect insect is formed. It appears for a time to be
sickly ; but in a warm evening of the month of May
it issues from the ground. Cockchaffers live but one
season; if they escape the many enemies to which
they are exposed, the cold kills them at the begin-
ning of winter. .

The Hxrrcutes Brrtie (scarabeus hercules), is
the largest coleopterous insect of this genus. The
maxille, or jaws, of this beetle are very long,
branched or divided, so as to resemble in some
degree the claws of a lobster. They bite most
severely. They are natives of South America.

The Lapy-Birp (coccinella punctata), is another
of this family. These insects are very common;
some have red wing-cases, with black or white spots,
others with black and red spots. The larve of this
beautiful little beetle is always deposited on the
broad leaves of the dock.

The Grow Worm (Lampyris noctiluca), is one of
those insects which deserves a passing notice, from
the extraordinary light which it emits during sum-

VOL. II. 20 281







Sl eeeeeeeeeeeaeeeeoooems

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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

mer evenings, while creeping on the banks or hedges
by the roadside. In some localities in the neigh-
pourhood of London these beetles are found in con-
siderable numbers. It is the female chiefly which
emits the light, and which she has the power of
moderating or prolonging at will. The male glow-
worm has wings, but the female is without them. It
has, therefore, been concluded that this shining is
but the lamp of love, lighted up to guide her errant
partner to her.

The last of this class which our limits will permit
us to notice is what may properly be called the
Unprrtaxer Berrie (Necrophorus vespillo.) It
may easily be known, having a long body of a black
colour, with two broad bands of yellowish-brown.
M. Gleditsch, a foreign naturalist, having often re-
marked that dead moles, when laid upon the ground,
were almost sure to disappear in the course of two
or three days, determined to ascertain the cause.
He placed a mole upon one of the beds in his gar-
den. It had vanished by the third morning, and, on
digging where it had been laid, he found it buried to
the depth of three inches, and under it four beetles,
which seemed to have been the agents in this sin-
gular inhumation. Not perceiving anything particular
he buried it again, and on examining it at the end of
six days, he found it swarming with maggots, appar-
ently the issue of the beetles, and which M. Gleditsch
now naturally concluded had buried the carcase for
the food of their future young. In fifty days, this
gentleman ascertained, that four beetles had interred
four frogs, three small birds, two fishes, one mole,
and two grasshoppers, besides the entrails of a fish,

282




GRASSHOPPER AND LOCUST


LOCUSTS.

and two pieces of bullocks’ lights. Another natural-
ist tells us, that in the summer of 1826 he found
four of these beetles on Putney-heath, Surrey, hard
at work in burying a dead crow. These beetles are
by no means uncommon in the mountainous districts
of Aberdeenshire.

——

ORDER VI.—ORTHOPTERA.

LOCUSTS.
In Hesrew, Arbel.—In ENGLISH, The Multiplier.

“< He spake, and the LOCUSTS came, and caterpillars, and that
without number.’—PSALM cv., 34.

Locusts (Gryllus migratorius), are frequently men-
tioned in the Old Testament. They often migrate
from their native country in immense swarms of
several hundred yards square, darkening the air by
their numbers. Wherever they settle, an immediate
devastation of vegetation follows, destroying | the
hopes of the husbandman. Bochart thinks that there
are no Jess than ten different kinds mentioned in
Scripture. In habits they are all, however, essentially
the same. Jackson, in his account of Morocco, tells
us that locusts are esteemed a great delicacy, and
that at particular seasons they are served up at the
principal repasts. They are first boiled in water and

| then fried. Locusts have occasionally visited our



own country.

The Common GrassHorPEr (Gryllus viridissimus) ,
is a member of the locust family, and is found in
every meadow during the summer meee chirp-

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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

ing is the note of love, the ardour of which is noticed
in the desperate fightings which the males have with
each other: the female becomes the prize of the
victor. Towards the latter end of autumn, the female
deposits her eggs in the ground; they remain dor-
mant during the winter, but about May the benign
influence of the sun acts upon them, and each egg
produces a whitish wingless insect about the size of a
flea; its growth is now rapid, and at the expiration
of about twenty days the insect throws off its outer
skin, and appears a perfect grasshopper. Their lives
always end on the setting in of cold weather.

The domestic Cricket (Gryllus domesticus), is
another member of the locust family.



ORDER VII.—HEMIPTERA.

CIMICES, OR BUGS.

Tus order of insects, though minute in size, is nu-
merous; some living on land, others in water; some,
again, with wings, others without; some undergoing
aregular metamorphosis, passing successively through
the states of larva, nymph, and perfect insect ; others
not. That disgusting insect, the Bep Bue (Cimer
lectularius), first requires a passing notice. It re-
quires no description. The principal remedy against
these nightly marauders is extreme attention to
cleanliness. Bugs, it is believed, were unknown in
this country before the fire of London (1666), when
they were brought over in the fir timber employed in
rebuilding the metropolis. Besides blood, they will



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PLANT-LICE.






























feed on dried paste, size, or sappy timber. The
mother bug lays about fifty eggs at a time, which
pecome alive in three weeks.

The Conei, or Garpen Bves, are found on plants
during fine weather. They become successively me-
tamorphosed, living on insects. The Gerris is a
Water Bue, which is found in considerable number
during the summer, on the surface of stagnant waters,
darting about with considerable agility. The Nepe
are also water-bugs, but of larger size. Their fore-
feet perform the office of pincers. From the voracity
of these creatures, they have been appropriately de-
signated water-scorpions. They mostly remain at
the bottom during the day, but take to the wing
in the evening.

Another numerous family is the Aphides, or PLant
Licz. They are found in immense numbers upon
almost all plants. Females, of the same species, are
found sometimes winged, others not. At one period
of the year they are viviparous, at another oviparous.
The young which are born alive die at the end of the
season, while those of the eggs are perpetuated,
What is still more extraordinary, a female impreg-
nated in autumn is not only fruitful herself, but
transmits that influence to her female descendants
for a series of generations. Reaumer has proved,
that in five generations one aphis may be the parent
of 5,904,900,000 descendants.

The Coccus, or CocHiNzEAL INs&CT, is a remarkable
variety. The male alone is winged, and but about
half the size of the female. At the period of their
amours, these insects fix themselves on a plant, which
they never afterwards quit. The male oon dies, but )

285

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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

the female sucks the nutritive fluids of the plant till
her body acquires, from the increase of the ova, the
form of a gall, including the young; she soon after
perishes. These animals are chiefly reared on the
cactus cochinillifer, or prickly pear; the insects being
gathered from the plant several times in a year. The
best cochineal, so much esteemed for dyeiug scarlet,
comes from Mexico.

ORDER VIII.—NEUROPTERA.
LIBELLULZ, OR DRAGON FLIES.

Tux beautiful insects called Dragon Frizs scarcely
require description. They are numerous, and much
varied in size; but in their habits they are sin-
gularly voracious and cruel, seizing upon any insect
they can catch. These insects drop their eggs upon
the surface of the water, which, sinking to the bottom,
are hatched in the sand, becoming larve. In this
state, however, they do not remain long, but chang-
ing into nymphs or pupz, they continue in the water
for about two years. When the time for the last
change has arrived, the pup crawl out of the water
upon a twig or rush, where they fix themselves. The
skin then dries and shrinks, until the insect shakes
off its outward skin or case, and expanding its wings,
until now confined, flies away, to rejoice, henceforth,
in air and sunshine.

The Ephemera, or Day Fy, is a singular variety.
The larvee live in the water for a more lengthened
period than. the last-mentioned insects, some. for

286

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EARTHWORMS AND SNAIL.


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three, others for five years, when they pass into the
nymph state, in which they remain for about three
months, when at length they rise to the surface of
the water, and dart away a perfect fly. These insects
have well been designated ephemera, since some
kinds of them live but for three hours, others but a
single day, and the most long-lived species only for
three days. Having no time for eating, they are not
even provided with a mouth, but having deposited
their eggs in the water, fall to the ground and die.
The Termites, or Wurtte ANTs, deserve notice.
Insects of this genus are found in India and Africa,
and are regarded as the scourge of warm climates.
Nothing softer than metals or stones escapes them.
They live in numerous communities, either in excava-
tions which they have made in the timber of houses,
or in nests erected on the surface of the ground.
Their metamorphosis, however, is incomplete. These
societies are composed of one male, one female, and
numerous workers or neuters, whiclifare always wing-
less. Some of these last, differing from the others in
the form of the head, appear to act as soldiers, or
defenders of the community. The nests of those
erected on the ground are often twelve feet high
above the surface, and perforated by galleries, in
which the community reside; the xing and queen
having an inner apartment to themselves. If the
size of these insects be considered, the monuments
which they erect are far more wonderful, and five
times larger, as compared with human beings, than
the boasted pyramids of Egypt. They resemble ants
in their laborious industry, but surpass the bee, the
wasp, and the beaver, in the art of gene are their
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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

dwellings. One species seems to march in their
migrations with all the precision of battalions of
soldiers.

ORDER IX.—HYMENOPTERA.

BEES, WASPS, AND ANTS.

Tur Bzx (in Hebrew, Devdarah; in English, THE
‘Wuisrrrer), from the earliest period must have
been known in Palestine, “a land flowing with milk
and honey.” ‘There are many species of bees, but
the honey-bee (apis mellifica), is the most useful and
remarkable. When a swarm quits the old hive, it is
composed of one queen, or female bee, several hun-
dred male, or drone bees, and several thousand work-
ing bees, or neuters. Should there happen to be
two or more queen-bees, a murderous conflict ensues,
the swarm remaining with the victor. In anew hive,
they divide themselves into four parties, one of which
rove the fields in search of materials, another com-
pany begin to lay the foundation of the cells, a third
set polish and finish what the others have begun, and
a fourth party bring home food for themselves and
for those which are labouring in the hive. Things
being so far arranged, the queen-bee leaves the hive
in the evening on a tour of love, when, meeting with
a paramour, she admits him to her embrace; which
done, the favoured swain soon dies, and the queen
returns to the hive in a state of fecundation. She
now carefully examines the cells in progress, and
begins to lay, depositing one egg only in each cell.





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BEES, HORNET, AND WASP.
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The cells are of three kinds; the first and smallest
are for the produce of working bees; the second kind,
somewhat larger, for male bees; and a few, three or
five, very large, or royal cells, for queen bees only.
Several hundred eggs will sometimes be laid in a
single day, and which, in from three to six days
become alive, in the shape of a small maggot, or
larva. These are regularly supplied with food by the
hive-workers, or nurses, with a peculiar substance
called bee-bread, which consists of honey, pollen,
and a viscous secretion from the bees themselves.
When the larve are about six days old, the nurses
close each cell with wax, and the entombed larve
begin to entwine themselves in a kind of silken
winding-sheet, and become nymphs. At the end of
twelve days from their inclosure, breaking their en-
casement they issue forth in the perfect state of bees :
they are now cleaned and preened by the attendant
nurses, and then join the out-door workers. The
eges in the male cells are generally about two
months later than those of the workers; and the
royal cells are not even begun until the queen has
made some progress in depositing her eggs in the
male cells. ‘Che young queens are consequently the
last hatched ; and when they have passed through
the same metamorphoses as the rest, the nurses keep
constant watch over them, lest they should be
destroyed by the queen-regnant, an act to which she
is always inclined. The entire laying of eggs and
breeding, are quite completed by the time of
autumn, In the event of a hive being deprived of
their queen by accident, the workers have the capa-
bility of producing another, This is done in the
VOL. II. 2P 289

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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

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following extraordinary manner: the cells are ex-
amined for the larve of workers, which are not
more than three days old; on finding such, they {(
immediately enlarge the cells of these larvee, feed- (
ing them with female, or royal jelly, until, by dint |
of care and labour, a female is produced which is to :
replace the one they had lost. Besides the cells
mare for rearing the young, others are made, of the
san» materials and shape, for depositing the honey
whi h may be brought into the hive, and which is
dest ned for their use when no honey can be gathered.
The cells or honey-combs are so arranged in layers
that ready access can be obtained to them. On the
weather becoming cold, not only are the tarvee and
nymphs destroyed, but the male bees also, Having
no stings, like the workers and females, they are
easily massacred, or driven out of the hive, and so
perish by the cold. During the winter months
the whole hive appears to be in a state of half-
lethargy.

The Horner (vespa crabo) subsists by rapine
and destruction; the sting serving as an offensive
weapon. Hornets usually construct their nests in
the trunks of decayed trees. The females, in the
spring, having passed the winter in a lethargic state,
become reanimated by the return of warm weather.
In building their nest they first construct a solid
pillar formed from the bark of the ash, to which the
whole nest, made of the same material, is attached.
No sooner is the nest finished, than the female,
probably fecundated previously to the winter, begins
to lay. The young undergo metamorphoses similar
to those of bees. By the commencement of autumn

290

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THE COMMON ANT.

the young, femaies and males, have come forth
from their nymph state. About October the re-
maining larve are plucked out of the cells, and flung
out of the nest; the males and workers gradually
perishing from cold, so that by the end of winter,
only a few females remain at the bottom of the
nest. Such is the miserable finish of this society,
consisting of from a hundred to a hundred and fifty
individuals. See Exodus xxiii., 28.

The internal economy of the Common Wasp,
(vespa vulgaris) does not essentially differ from that
of the hornet.

The Common Ants (formica nigra) live in society
like bees and wasps, the community consisting of
males, females, and workers ; the latter always with-
out wings. The workers are exclusively employed
in constructing the abode, feeding and protecting the
young, and in retaining the females after impregna-
tion. The males are much smaller than the females ;
and after the purpose of nature is secured, return no
more to their accustomed dwelling. The females,
on the contrary, return to deposit their ova, having
first lost their wings. The Jarve, on. becoming
pupe, are for the most part enclosed in cocoons ;
when the insects become perfect, those with wings
are retained in the nest, till the weather be favour-
able for their flight and fecundation. The habita-
tion or nest is constructed with different roads or
galleries, leading to @ central cavity, the chief abode
of the family. Fruits, insects, or carrion, form the
food of ants. The different species of ants always
keep distinct; but in their general economy are
similar.





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ORDER X.—LEPIDOPTERA.

BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS.

“ Te gave also their increase unto the CATERPILLAR.”—PSALM
Ixxvili., 46. “ Which are crushed before the MOTH ??—
JOB iv., 19.

Tur CaTeRPItuaR, known by the name of the silk

worm, having fed upon the leaves of the mulberry

tree for about six weeks, begins to envelop itself
with minute yellow silken threads, till it has formed

a case or ball, called a cocoon, about the size of

a pigeon’s egg; it now changes toa chrysalis. In

this state it remains for fifteen days, when the perfect

insect appears, and which will gnaw its way out if
left to itself. The cocoons, therefore, are exposed to
such a degree of heat as to kill the inclosed animals,

a few only being saved to keep up the breed. The

moth when produced is but very short-lived, breed-

ing soon after its exclusion, and perishing when the
purpose of nature is fulfilled by the deposition of
eggs for future races. Each cocoon will produce on
the average, a double silken thread of 400 yards long.

Henry II. king of France, is said to be the first who

wore silk stockings in that country ; Queen Eliza-

beth in England.

Of butterflies and moths, who all undergo the like
transformations, there are almost an infinite variety ;
some flying by day, others by night. The tortoise-
shell butterfly (papilio urtice) and the cabbage white
butterfly (pontia brassice) are the most common in
this country.

The rooth referred to by the sacred writer and

292

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GNATS AND FLIES.

quoted at the beginning of this article, j is no doubt,
of the genus ¢inea. Insects of this kind are particu-
larly destructive to woollen cloths and furs, the
female depositing her eggs upon them, and which
become caterpillars in fifteen days. In the spring
they change into pupe, and after about twenty days
become moths. The ravages of these insects are
very great, the caterpillars perforating and eating
the substances on which they have been deposited.

On the eleventh order of insects, RHIPIPTER *
there is nothing particular to remark.

SS SS

ORDER XII.—DIPTERA.
GNATS AND FLIES.

AurHoucn the word Gnar does not occur in the
Hebrew scriptures, yet it is noticed by our Saviour
in his memorable reproof to the Pharisees, for affect-
ing to be very scrupulous in little things, while
disregarding those of the greatest moment :—-‘‘ Ye
blind guides, which strain at a Guat, and swal-
low a camel.”-—Matthew xxiil., 24. Gnats form an
extensive and troublesome race. Jven the Common
Gnar (culew pipiens) is far from an agreeable com-
panion. All of this family undergo a complete
metamorphosis, but modified in two principal ways ;
some forming a cocoon, while in others the skin of
the larve hardening, becomes 2 solid covering, of an
oval form, like an egg, and presenting no exterior
marks of the contained animal. Many ot the
smaller species, especially in damp localities, assem-
293

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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTCRY.

( ble in numerous troops, and form airy dances while
flying. The female gnat deposits her eggs in the
water ; each brood amounting from two hundred and
fifty to three hundred and fifty. The larvee of gnats
always swarm in spring and summer.

Friizs form a most extensive family, and are
every where to be found. They formed one of the
plagues of Egypt.—See Exodus viil., 20. Common
Fuiss (musca domestica), of most insects, are best
known. ‘hey are exceedingly troublesome to man
and beast, sharing in all our viands and _ sweets.

Different species of flies choose various substances

j on which to deposit their eggs, according to the
wants of the coming larve. Those found in cheese
have the singular faculty of leaping to a consider-
able distance ; others give birth to living larve: the
female gad-fly (estrus equi) deposits her eggs on the
nostrils, legs, or shoulders of horses, which, on being

| licked, are conveyed into the stomach.

(



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}

)

)

|

Tre class of creatures on which we are now to treat,

‘ forms the connecting link between the animal and
vegetable world, and may be pronounced the lowest
in the scale of beings. Their forms are of the most
simple kind. The several classes do indeed vary
considerably ; yet they all show traces, more or less
distinct, of a radiation from a common centre. The

| Rapiata include five classes: (1,) the Echinoder-

DIVISION Iv.
RADIATA, OR ZOOPHYTES.
294.












RADIATA, OR ZOOPHYTES.

mata, or Sta Uncutns; (2,) Entozoa, or INTESTINAL
Worms ; (8,) Acalaphe, or Sua Nerves ; (4,) Polypi,
or Fixep Sea-Nerrizs; (5,) Infusoria, or Micro-
scopic ANniMAxS; the details of the organization of
some of the last-named class, even escaping the
deepest powers of the microscope.

Animals of the first class, or Sta Urcuins, form
a very numerous family, widely scattered in all seas.
They have neither head, eyes, or articulated feet ;
their nervous system is likewise very obscure; and
their organs of motion extremely imperfect. They
possess the singular faculty of reproducing parts of
their bodies which may be broken or separated by
accident. Some of them are round and covered.
with spires, like hedge-hogs ; other assume a radiated
shape, and are called Star-Fisu.

The second class consists of INTESTINAL Worms,
remarkable for existing and propagating only in the
snterior of other animals. These disgusting crea-
tures have a soft and elongated body, but without
head, eyes, or feet; the mouth is formed of one or
more suckers. The tenia, or tape worm, infesting
the human body, has a flattened long body, com-
monly about twenty feet in length: it has been
found to exceed a hundred.

Sra Nerruus form the third class, having a gela-
tinous, circular, and radiated body, with a soft and
transparent skin, susceptible of contraction and dila-
tation, From the softness of their bodies, they are
commonly known by the name of jelly-fish. The
mouth, or sucker, is in their centre. They are all
marine, and emit during the night a phosphoric light.
Many species are ornamented with lively colours.

295







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{
i
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ee

een ar ee ee ee ee ee ee ee at er a te a nN a

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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

The Porypt, or Fived Sea-Netiles, form one ot the
largest and most singular classes of the animal king-
dom. At the lowest scale amongst animals, most of
them have the form of plants, yet capable of repro-
duction. They are destitute of head, eyes, circulation,
respiration, or locomotion ; though all furnished with
a stomach and powers of digestion. Many of the
polypi have the principle of life so diffused in their
simple structure, that portions cut from an individual
soon acquire, in the proper element, all the characters
of a perfect animal. It is also most remarkable,
that many of this class, besides possessing their own
individuality, form also compound animals, adhering
one to another by lateral appendages. Some ex-
tend their race by buds, in the manner of plants;
others, by means of eggs. In warm countries, polypi
multiply with such facility, and in such great abun-
dance, as to become powerful agents in the formation
of islands, and the extension of sea-coasts.

Corat and Sponezs, if not polypi themselves,
toust be referred to polypi-architecture. Coral grows
in the sea, at very considerable depths; and requires
at least ten years to bring it to perfection. The
polypi which inhabit the cellules of the surface of
the coral, are very soft, white, and not very trans-
parent. Little is known of the precise manner of
their propagation.

Sponezs are organized bodies, without any regular

‘determinate form, presenting an absorbent surface,

having some obscure traces of feeling. They are

always found adhering to rocks, or submarine bodies,

and at considerable depths. Sponges are very com-

mon in the seas of warmer climates, attaining to
296





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——ooe oe eee eS ee ee ee ee eT eT tS eS ESS

— oo ee



ess LSE SS SE EOE
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TREES, PLANTS, AND FLOWERS.

very large dimensions; but decrease in size in more
temperate regions. The interior of sponges is /
corneous and fibrous, forming a sort of felt-like
tissue, more or less compact. It is this which
attaches the sponge to submarine bodies; the ex-
terior is soft, or gelatinous, forming a sort of general
stratum, which is the seat of sensibility.

The fifth class, denominated Inrusonria, designates
akind of animals which are developed in vegetable
and animal infusions. From their extreme minute-
ness, they require the aid of a microscope to bring |

them within the sphere of our observation. Some
of these animalcule appear to have a regularly de-
veloped organization; others a form evidently

radiated; others are vermiform; and others again,
amorphous, or without any definable shape.

DIVISION V.
TREES, PLANTS, AND FLOWERS.
I.—CHESNUT, OAK, ELM AND ASH TREES.

}
|
Tue Cuesnut (castanea) is valuable, since its )
wood, if kept dry, is extremely durable, and is rapid
in its growth. The celebrated chesnut at Tort-
worth, Gloucestershire, is believed to be at least a
thousand years old; and in cirumference fifty-two
feet. The fruit of the esculent chesnut forms an
important article of commerce. Deer and hogs are
very fond of chesnuts, and fatten well upon them.
‘The Oax (quercus ballota,) was doubtless found in
})} Palestine. ‘Ihe oak, as most know, ranks among {\
VOL. Il. 2Q 297 ae z
ee ae ees Ce a |










SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

the largest, the most durable, and useful of forest
trees.

The Ex (ulnus campestris) is only once mentioned
in Scripture, Hosea iv. 13. The wood of this
beautiful tree is hard, tough, and impervious to
moisture; and hence much used in commerce. The
elm affords subsistence to a variety of insects; its
leaves are eaten by silk worms with avidity : cattle
also relish them for food.

Of the Asn (fraxinus) there are many varieties.
The leaves of the ash appear late, and fall early, and
are considered good fodder for cattle. The timber
of the ash ranks next in value to the oak, being hard
and tough.

IL—MYRTLE, BOX, AND BAY TREES.

Tas Myrtie (myrtus communis) is a beautiful shrub,
common in Judea. It sends out a great number of
small flexible branches, with soft smooth shining
leaves, of a beautiful green, and of sweet smell. The
flowers, which are white, grow among the leaves,
and have an agreeable perfume. This shrub is re-
ferred to in Scripture for its beauty and fragrancy.
See Isaiah xli. 19; Zechariah i. 8—10.

Of the Box Trex (buaus) there are three varieties.
The wood of this tree is valuable from its colour and
hardness, being of a beautiful white colour, and
receiving a fine polish. Many articles of turnery
are made of it.

The Bay-Tree (Jaurus nobilis) is mentioned,
Psalm xxxvii. 35, 86. It grows with an upright
trunk, branching out on every side. The dark green
leaves of this tree afford a useful oil, employed in

298





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MYRTLE, BAY, AND BOX.


PALM TREES.


PINE, CYPRESS, COPHER WOOD, & CEDAR.
|

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CYPRESS, CEDAR, AND PINE TREES.

eeciene The bitter berries of the bay-tree also
yield an essential oil.

IIJ.—THE PALM TREE.

Tur Patm-tree (phoenix dactylifera), was always
greatly esteemed among the Israelites, being much
cultivated in Judea, so that in after times it be-
came the emblem of that country. Medals of the
emperor Vespasian may still be seen, which were
struck to commemorate the conquest of J udea, bear-
ing the head of Vespasian on the one side, and on
the reverse a captive woman sitting under a palm
tree, with the inscription, JupEa Carta. The neigh-
bourhood of Jericho, in particular, was distinguished
for its palm trees, Moses calling Jericho, (Deut. XXXiv.
8,) “the city of palm trees.” ‘Dates, the fruit of the
palm, are, perhaps, the most nutritious edible sub-
stance in existence. The inhabitants of Barbary, in
travelling, consider themselves well supplied with pro-
vision if they have but a bag of dates and a bottle of
water.

IV.—THE CYPRESS, CEDAR, AND PINE
TREES.

Gornen Woop (cupressus sempivirens), Gen. vi. 14,
is believed to be the Cypress. The common, up-
right cypress, though a native of warm climates, has
long since been transferred to our gardens, for the
beauty of its evergreen branches. Its timber is of
great durability. In Assyria, especially about Ba-
bylon, cypress trees still greatly abound.

The Cxpar (cedrus Libani conifera), is a noble

evergreen tree, frequently mentioned in eg
299

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SCRIPTURL NATURAL HISTORY.

Its lofty height, and far-extended branches, afford a
spacious shelter and shade. Ezekiel xxxi. 3-8. The
wood of the cedar is very valuable, of a reddish
colour, an aromatic smell, and reputedly incorruptible.
The ark of the covenant, and much of the temple
of Solomon, was built of it. The tree is called
“ the glory of Lebanon,” Isaiah, lx. 13; and in former
times greatly flourished upon that mountain. Dr.
Richardson, who lately visited the spot, is of opinion,
that on the mountain of Lebanon there cannot now
be less than three hundred cedars.

The Axerro Pine (pinus halepensis), seems to
have the best claim as being the pine mentioned in
the Bible. Its trunk is slender and erect, with long
bright-green leaves.

V.—THE VINE AND FIG TREE.

Ir the forest trees of Judea were fine, we may be
sure that the fruit trees also would be of the choicest
kind. The Vine (vitis vinifera), is a noble plant of
the creeping kind, and famous for its fruit. Moses
distinguished the true vine from other genera, by
calling it (Numbers, vi. 4,) the vine tree, literally the

‘wine of the wine. Of the fineness of the vineyards,

and excellence of the grapes, of Palestine, many
proofs might be given. The grapes which were cut
in the valley of Eschol by the spies sent by Joshua,
and borne upon a staff between two men, were of
surpassing beauty and size.

The Fie Tree (ficus carica.) Figs, like grapes,
were abundant in the Holy Land. Fig trees there
become large, dividing into many branches, and pro-
ducing a pleasant shade by their large leaves.

300



——



Se


FIGS AND GRAPES.


i. THYNE TREE, 2. EBONY,


PISTACHIO NUT AND JUNIPER.


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SHITTIM WOOD.
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JUNIPER, AND MULBERRY TREES.



V1.—EBONY AND THYINE WOOD.

\
( Expony (ebeni ligna), is an Indian wood, of a black
' colour, and great value. It is very hard, and admits
of afine polish. The word only occurs in Ezek.-xxvii.
15, where it is mentioned among imported articles.
The Tuya is a large tree, well known in the East,

| and not unlike the cypress. It was employed for the
( roofs of houses and the ceilings of rooms, having a
( fragrant smell. It is impenetrable to the worm, and
never rots. See Rev. xviii. 12.

)

)

/

)

VIL—THE JUNIPER AND PISTACHIA-NUT
TREES.

Tae Juniper Tree (juniperus communis) seldom
obtains a height of more than fifteen feet, and may
therefore rather be called a shrub than‘a tree.
Juniper berries possess a strong unpleasant smell,
and a warm, sweet, and pungent taste. The resin of
this tree is the gum sandarach of commerce. See I.

Kings, xix. 4, 5.

The PistacHta Tree (pistacia lerebinthus) is a
native of Syria and Arabia, growing to the height of
twenty-five or thirty feet, and is cultivated for its
' fruit. Pistachia-nuts have an unctuous pleasant
taste, and are reputedly wholesome and nutritive.

a |

VIII—THE MULBERRY TREE.

Tar Waits Murserry (morus alba) is much cul-
) tivated for its mucilaginous leaves, that afford a most
} grateful food to silk-worms. The fruit has a pleasant
) taste, and is much used in medicine for gargles. See
| II. Samuel, v. 23.

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SSS,

SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY. —

IX.—APPLE TREES—ORANGE AND CITRON
TREES.

Tere is reason to believe that Solomon, in the Can-
ticles, refers to orange, citron, or pomegranate trees,
rather than to apple trees. These trees grow in Ju-
dea in great numbers, though apple trees are scarcely
known. Citron trees are described as noble in ap-
pearance, being large, their leaves beautiful, and ever
continuing on the tree, of an exquisite smell, and
affording a most delightful shade. The orange tree,
in warm climates, is a beautiful tree both for its
shade and fruit. The same remark is applicable to
the pomegranate tree. Canticles, vil. 8; I. Samuel,
xiv. 2.

X.—THE SYCAMORE AND ALMUG TREES.

Tur Sycamore (jficus sycomorus) is a large spread-
ing and evergreen tree, often shooting up to a con-
siderable height. Sycamores are common in Palestine
and Arabia, being highly esteemed alike for their
wood and fruit. Mummy chests, made of this wood,
have been found in catacombs uncorrupted after a
period of three thousand years. The fruit has the
figure and smell of figs. Luke, xix. 4.

The Aumuc Trex (pinus orientalis) is described
by the Jewish historian, Josephus, as a species of
pine, and as having been brought in ships from
Ophir, for the- construction of Solomon’s temple.
The timber of this tree is large, fine, and durable.

XI.—_THE WILLOW AND POPLAR TREES.
Tux species of Wittow referred to in the Bible, is
302





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ORANGES AND POMEGRANATE.
















ALMUG & SYCAMORE TREES




WILLOW & POPLARS.
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MYRRH, CAMPHIRE AND BALSAM.

probably the salia babylonica, being like all its com-
peers small in size, and fond of low and wet situ-
ations. To this tree the Psalmist beautifully refers,
Psalm i., 3.

Few trees are better known than the Porzar
(populus alba); the whiteness of its leaves, bark,

and wood, being such characteristic marks, that |

none but Cockneys can mistake it. See Genesis
xxx., 87; Hosea iv., 13.

XII.—MYRRH, CAMPHIRE, BALSAM, AND
FRANKINCENSE.

Myrrea is a valuable gum which issues, by incision,
from the trunk of the balsamedendron gileadense.
Its taste is extremely bitter, but its smell not dis-
agreeable. -Among the ancients it entered into the
composition of their most costly ointments. Myrrh
formed a component part of the holy anointing oil,
used for sacred purposes. See Exodus, xxx., 23.

The Campur1re (lawsonia inermis) is one of those
plants which is grateful alike to the eye, and to the
smell. The leaves are light green, and the flowers
collected into long clusters like the lilac, are white
and yellow. Its odour is most delicious. The
powder of the leaves is much used by females in the
Hast, for giving an orange tincture to their nails.
Canticles, 1. 14; iv. 13.

The Batsam-Tree (amyris Gileadensis) is an
evergreen shrub, which grows about fourteen feet
high, and in its native country, without culture.
The resin of this tree is the true balm of Gilead, so
beautifully referred to by the prophet, Jeremiah,
viii, 22. “Balm is chiefly obtained by geen lt

30



—





ett


SCRIPTURE NATURAL IIISTORY.

has a bitter aromatic taste, and a highly fragrant
smell. As a specific for almost every disorder, the
balm of Gilead was held in high reputation.
Balsam-trees are still found in the plains of Jericho.

FRANKINCENSE is a dry resinous substance, of a
yellowish-white colour, a strong fragrant smell, and
a bitter, acrid taste. The region from which it was
brought, is said in Scripture to be Sheba; Isaiah
lx. 6, and Jeremiah vi. 20. The tree (boswellia
thurifera) is a native of India.

XII.—WORMWOOD, HEMLOCK, AND
MANDRAKE.

Wormwoon, or SourHernwoonp, (artimisia maritima)
is referred to in Scripture, Deut. xxix. 18, for its
extreme bitterness. It formerly possessed some re-
putation as a medicine.

Hemuock (conium maculatum) is a biennial plant,
growing without culture, and flowering in the
months of June and July. Though the whole plant
is poisonous, yet the leaves are much used in medi-
cine: they possess a faint disagreeable smell, and a
bitter nauseous taste. Hosea x. 4; Amos vi. 12.

Great variety of opinions exist as to the meaning
of the word Manprake; in the Hebrew, dudaim.
Perhaps we cannot do better than follow Hassel-
quist, who travelled to the Holy Land to make
discoveries in natural history. Speaking of Nazareth
in Galilee, he says, “‘ What I found most remarkable
at this village was,.the great number of mandrakes,
which grew in a vale blow it. The fruit ripens in
May, and is a species of melon.” See Genesis xxx,
14—17 inclusive.

304



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)
:


1, HEMLOCK.—2. MANDRAKE.—3. WORMWOOD,


SWEET CANE AND CINNAMON.


THISTLE, BRAMBLE, AND THORNS.


ANISE, HYSSOP, AND CORIANDER.
CORIANDER, ANISE, AND HYSSOP,

‘XIV—CINNAMON AND SWEET-CANE.

(
(
(
(
Cinnamon is the bark of the true cinnamon-tree
(laurus cinnamomum), and ‘is one of the most agree-
able and useful aromatics. The tree is of small size,
| not exceeding the height of the willow; it is far from
uncommon in the East Indies. See Exodus xxx. 23.
The Sweer-Cane referred to by the prophet,
Jeremiah vi. 20, is the calamus aromaticus of India
and Arabia. While growing, it scents the air with
its fragrancy ; and when dried and powdered, forms
an ingredient in the richest perfumes.

XV.—THORNS, THISTLES, BRIERS, AND
BRAMBLES.

THorns and Tuistxzs are first mentioned in Genesis
iii. 18, and probably the names refer to deleterious
plants in general, rather than to any particular species.
Thistles are indigenous in all countries; and very
troublesome to the farmer.
The Bramse (rubus fruticosus) is a species of

buckthorn, which is a native of Syria and Palestine.
Many of the buckthorn family are remarkable for
) the length and abundance of their spines. These
) plants are of quick growth. The crown of thorns,
) which was put upon the head of our Saviour, was
) made from a tree of this species.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
}

; XVI.—CORIANDER, ANISE, AND HYSSOP.

CoriaNnDER (coriandum sativum) is a strongly aroma-
tic annual plant, bearing a small round seed, of an
agreeable smell and taste.
The ANIsE (anisum) is an annual umbelliferous
VOL. II. 2k 805

oS EO

(RRA RASS
)
)








~~
Seo



plant, the seeds of which have an aromatic smell, a
pleasant warm taste, and a carminative quality. See
Matthew xxiii. 23. .

The Hyssop (hyssopus officinalis) has a bushy stalk,
growing about two feet high; its leaves are small
and spear-shaped; the flowers, which terminate by
erect, whorled spikes, are of different colours, ac-
cording to the species; their smell aromatic, and

their taste warm, but bitter. Under the law, the.

hyssop was commonly used in purifications for
sprinkling, See Psalm li. 7.

XVII.—RUE AND MINT.

Tue word Rue (ruta chalepensis) occurs in the
Scriptures once only, Luke xi. 42. It is a small shrub-
by plant, common in gardens, and having a strong,
unpleasant smell, with a bitterish penetrating taste.

Mint (mentha) is mentioned in the New Testa-
ment, Matthew xxii. 23. It is a well-known garden
herb.

XVITI.—LENTILS AND TARES.,

Lentius (cicer lens) are a sort of pulse, and much
esteemed for food: they grow abundantly in Egypt.
On being boiled, they dissolve into a mass, making
a pottage of a chocolate-colour. This was probably
the red pottage mentioned in the book of Genesis,
chap. xxv. v, 34.

Tares (zizarion,). mentioned by Saint Matthew,
chap. xiii. v, 25, cannot beidentical with the tares
of our own country. On the contrary, the zizarion
is a poisonous plant, which grows among corn, and is
well known in the Hast,

306



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SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY. a
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RUE AND MINT.


LENTILS AND TARES.


FLAX AND MUSTARD.


ONIONS AND GARLIC.




GOURD, CUCUMBER, AND MELON.
=~,



FLAX, ONIONS, GOURD, AND CUCUMBER.

XIX.—FLAX AND MUSTARD.

Few plants are better known than Fiax; or more
useful, alike for its seed and fibre. It grows
luxuriantly on ground newly broken up; flowering
in July. Linseed has become a most useful article
in commerce, from the immense quantity of oil
impressed from it. Flax, steeped for a time in
water, becomes fit for the manufacture of linen. See 4
Exodus ix. 31. * )
The Musrarp-Szep (sinapis,) referred to by our |
Saviour, Matthew xiii. 31, as becoming a tree, must (
not be estimated by the growth of plants in our ,
country. There is a species of mustard in the East, °
which grows to the height of several feet. (

XX.—ONIONS, GARLIC, AND LEEKS.

|
;
(
(
(
|
(
Onions (allium cepa) are well-known garden ak
with a bulbous root. Numbers xi. 5.
Garuic, from its being coupled with leeks ae \
onions, must be the root known by that name.
The Lexk (allium porrum) is of the same nature
with the onion. Itis cultivated, and much esteemed
in Egypt.

XXI.—GOURD, CUCUMBER, AND MELON.

/

(

(

(

(

(
Tue Gourp was doubtless some climbing plant, with
large leaves, and of quick growth. Ifthe words of (
Scripture—“ which came up ina night, and perished (
in a night,” are to be literally understood, it could ‘
only have been produced by a direct divine inter ‘po- :
sition. Jonah iv., 6, 7, 9, 10. \
The Cucumber (cucumis sativus) is so common }

807 }

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Soa TOT OTTO SOOO OOOO






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SCRIPTURE ‘NATURAL HISTORY,

‘as to require no description. Cucumbers are very
plentiful in the East, of good flavour and much eaten.
Numbers xi. 5.

The Mrton (cucumis sativa) requires no description.
In eastern countries it grows to great perfection;
the juice being particularly cooling and agreeable.
Of this fruit there are many varieties. ‘“ The -inhabi-
tants of Mount Carmel,” observe the travellers
Egmont and Heyman, “chiefly employ themselves
in improving their gardens, where they have, among
other -fruits, excellent melons, which, in goodness
and taste, are not at all inferior to those of Naples
and the West Indies.”

XXII.—CUMMIN, OLIVES, AND SAFFRON,

CumMMIN (cumminimum) is an umbelliferous plant,
resembling fennel. Its seeds are aromatic, but of a
bitterish taste. See Isaiah xxviii. 25.

The Oxtve-TREE (olea Europea) is often mentioned
in Scripture. This tree is of moderate height ; thriv-
ing best in a sunny and warm situation. Its trunk is
knotty ; its bark smooth, and of an ash-colour. The
leaves are of a dark green on the upper side, and
whitish below. The tree flowers in June. The olive is
indigenous in Judea. The Jews, besides using olives
as a fruit, procured from them large quantites of oil :
this was used both for common and sacred purposes.
It also became an article of exportation.

Sarrron (carthamus tinctorius) is an exotic plant,
which grows from a bulbous root. The stalk bears
a blue flower, and on the flower are three small
golden threads, which is saffron.

308
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OLIVE, SAFFRON, AND CUMIN.


ALOE & LING ALOE.
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LILY AND EMPEROR MOTHS.



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XXITI.—ALOES.

THE Autor (aloe succotrina) is a plant with broad
thick leaves. It grows about two feet high. A very
bitter gum is extracted from it, which is used in
medicine, and anciently for embalming the dead also.
Nicodemus is said, (John xix. 39,) to have brought

‘one hundred pounds weight of myrrh and aloes, to

embalm the body of Jesus.

' The Lien Axtoz (agallochum prestantissimum) is
a small tree, about eight or ten feet high. The top
of it has a large bunch of leaves, which are indented ;
broad at the bottom, but growing narrower towards
the point, and about four feet in length. The blossoms
‘are red, intermixed with yellow, and double, like a
pink. The seeds which follow, are oblong and tri-
angular. The flower and seeds emit an effluvium,
which perfumes the air all around.

XXIV.—THE LILY.

Tue Lity referred to, Matthew vi. 28—30, is not the
lily of the valley, Canticles ii. 2; but the "Amaryllis
lutea, the golden ‘flowers of which afford one of the

most brilliant gorgeous objects in nature. This |
flower is everywhere common in the Levant. Ths -

Emrzror Morn adorns our engraving of this flower.
XXV.—GRASSES AND HEATHS.
Grass, or herbage, is the well known vegetable on

which cattle feed, and so remarkable for its transitory .
duration. Genesis i.11; Psalm xc.6. The varieties ,

of this plant are most numerous.

The Hearn of Scripture, Jeremiah xvii. 6, must \(’
309



Ee ie MR
LILY, GRASSES, AND HEATHS. ‘}

‘a
a
SCRIPTURE NATURAL HISTORY.

be referred to the lichens, a species of plants, which:
is the last production of vegetation under the frozen
zone, and under: the glowing heat of equatorial. de-
serts. Its numbers are countless.

XXVI.—BARLEY, WHEAT, AND RYE.

Purny, in his: Natural History, asserts that Bar.ey
(hordeum) is the most aneient aliment of man-
kind. Barley, in Palestine, is sown about October,
and reaped soon after Passover, that is, in March.
See Exodus xi. 31.
. Waezar (triticum compositum) is-the principal and
most valuable-kind of grain for the service of man.
Genesis xxx. 14.
Rye (triticum spelta) is a well-known plans, in.
common cultivation, bearing naked seeds, on a flat

ear, furnished with awns, like: barley. See Exodus-
ix, 82.

Thus, Courrzous Raver, have we conducted you:
through the flowery paths of Scripture. NaTuRAL
History; and if you have derived as much pleasure
‘in reading these sketches-from the Boox.or Nature,
as we have in writing them, you will have no reason
to- regret the time and labour which you have be-
stowed ‘upon them. And-if, moreover;.we may have
induced you. to turn. over the pages. of Erernau
TautH, in connexion with these Volumes, we shall.

have conferred no-small. benefit upon you..

THE END..




BARLEY, WHEAT, AND RYE.
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