Cougar.

eat.

short legs. The upper part of his body is of a silvery fawn color; the under parts are nearly white. He is of a cowardly disposition, but like most cowards, is very sanguinary, and will often kill more than he can In seizing his prey the cougar crawls upon his belly through the shrubs and bushes; as soon, however, as he can reach his victim, he springs upon his back with one bound, and soon tears it to pieces. He climbs trees with agility, and often descends with a sudden and fatal leap from the branches upon the unsuspecting deer. This animal is found in all the unsettled parts of the United States. He will seldom attack a man, yet instances are recorded in which individuals have fallen victims to his ra

pacity. Dr. Godman gives an account of a sportsman who was killed by a cougar in the Catskill Mountains, a few years since, and whose body was soon after discovered in the possession of the animal upon one of the branches of a large tree.

Of the lynx or short-tailed cat, which is not much larger than the domestic cat, there are several species in North America. The Canada lynx (Felis Canadensis) is abundant in the regions about Hudson's Bay, and preys upon rabbits and hares. Its skins are exported in great numbers.

The Opossum (Didelphis Virginiana) is found from Pennsylvania to Brazil. He walks

Opossum.

awkwardly, and seldom runs; a man can easily overtake him without hastening his steps. He climbs up trees with great facility, hides himself in the leaves to catch birds, or hangs himself by the tail from a branch. He sometimes remains a long time in this situation, without motion, his body hanging head downwards, while he silently waits for his prey. Though he is voracious, and even greedy of blood, which he sucks with avidity, he feeds also upon reptiles, insects, potatoes, roots, and even the upper bark and leaves of trees. He is neither wild nor ferocious, and may be rendered domestic. The savages of the western country hunt the

opossum, and feed heartily upon his flesh. The most remarkable circumstance in the natural history of this animal, is the pouch which is formed under the belly of the female, as a retreat for her young ones. This they leave to seek subsistence, and return when terrified, or in order to sleep. The mother, when she flies, carries them all with her.

The Prairie Marmot (Arctomys Ludovicianus), or Wistonwis, commonly called Prairie Dog, builds his dwelling in the barren tracts of the western country, and may often be seen sitting by the small mounds of earth, which indicate his abode, in an attitude of profound attention. Whole acres of land are occupied by these little tenants, and villages are found, containing thousands of inhabitants. Near the Rocky Mountains these villages are found to reach several miles. The burrow extends under ground, but to what distance has not been determined. This Marmot, like the rest of the species, remains torpid during the winter. It is very much annoyed in its habitation by owls, rattlesnakes, lizards, and land tortoises, who appropriate these comfortable dwellings for their own use, and frequently destroy the young marmots. The Hoary Marmot, or Whistler, (Arctomys pruinosus), inhabits the Rocky Mountains. It burrows in sandy soil, and may frequently be seen cutting hay, either for food or for its nest. While a party of them are employed in this way, if they are disturbed, the sentinel who sits near on an eminence, gives the alarm by a shrill whistle, which may be heard at a great distance, and is repeated from one marmot to the other as far as their burrows extend. The Whistler

feeds on roots and herbs, and is said to be about the size of a badger, and covered with silver-gray hair. The Indians take them in traps, and consider their flesh delicious food. They use their skins sewed together as blankets.

The Short-tailed Marmot is found on the banks of the Oregon, and forms burrows in immense numbers, sometimes covering 200 acres of land. Each burrow contains ten or twelve inhabitants. Say's Marmot (Arctomys lateralis), is ranked among the squirrels by Godman, under the name of the Rocky Mountain Ground Squirrel. Its back is striped with brown and white lines. It burrows in the ground, and is very abundant in the Rocky Mountains. The Quebec Marmot inhabits the wooded districts of Canada. It appears to be a solitary animal, and lives in burrows in the earth, but ascends bushes in the trees, probably in search of birds and other vegetable matters, on which it feeds. The Indians take it by pouring water into its holes.

Parry's Marmot.

Marmot or Woodchuck. This animal, (A. monax), usually called the Maryland Marmot, is common in the United States. In some places it does great injury to the farmers, as the quantity of herbage it consumes is really surprising. It burrows in the sides of hills, and penetrates to great distances under ground. At the commencement of cold weather it goes into its burrow, blocks up the door within, and remains torpid till the warm season. Parry's Marmot is found in stony districts, where it burrows in the sand between the rocks. Its cry when alarmed is like the sound of a watchman's rattle. It feeds on vegetables. lotor) has never been found in the Eastern Continent, but is widely distributed over this. While eating, the raccoon usually supports himself on his hind legs, and uses his paws to hold his food; he can open an oyster with the utmost dexterity. If water be near, he generally dips his food into it. By his pointed claws he is able to climb trees with great facility. He runs up the trunk with the same swiftness that he moves over the plains, and frolics about the extremity of the branches with great security and ease. On the ground, indeed, he rather bounds than runs, and his motions, though singularly oblique, are yet always quick and expeditious. He may be tamed without difficulty, and is then very good-natured and sportive; but he is as mischievous as a monkey, and seldom remains at rest.

The Raccoon (Procyon

Raccoon.

The Beaver (Castor Fiber), formerly common over a great part of the continent, is now become comparatively scarce. It is celebrated for the ingenuity which it displays in constructing its dwelling, and many fables have been related concerning it. It is about two feet in length, with a tail nearly a foot long, which is covered with scales. The body is covered with two sorts of hair, of which one is long and stiff, and the other short, thick, and soft. The food of the beavers is roots of aquatic plants, berries, and the bark of trees. Their houses, which are only for winter residence, are built on the banks of a stream or pond, and they generally select in preference running and rather deep waters, which are less apt to freeze. These habitations are constructed of the trunks and branches of small trees, which they fell for the purpose so as to cause them to fall into the water. These are mixed with mud and stones, which they carry in their fore paws. When they build on running water, they often construct dams of considerable size and much strength, and of the same materials as their houses. The Muskrat or Musquash (Fiber Zibethicus), an animal of the beaver kind, but much smaller than the common beaver, is found from 30° to 70° north latitude. Its fur is much valued, and several hundred thousand are annually obtained. The muskrat feeds on the leaves and roots of aquatic plants and on shell-fish, and burrows or builds houses like those of the beaver.

Muskrat.

The Jumping Mouse (Meriones labradorius) is found from Canada to Pennsylvania. Its size is nearly the same as that of the common mouse. It is found in grass and grain fields. In the winter it buries itself in the ground, and lies torpid

till the warm weather commences. It is astonishing to see so small a creature jumping above five or six feet at a single bound; its movements resemble those of a bird at these times, so high does it leap into the air, and so light and quick are its ascent and descent. The Labrador Jumping Mouse resembles the preceding in its mode of living, and is common in Labrador and the Hudson's Bay country.

The Shrew Mole is found abundantly in Canada, and has the appearance of a small stuffed sack, its head being destitute of external ears, and the eyes so extremely small and hidden by the fur, that one might suppose the creature blind. Yet it is surprisingly active, and burrows with great quickness with its broad fore-paws. These burrows are sometimes of great depth, and are composed of numerous galleries. Their situation may be generally known by the loose hills of dirt which are found over the surface of them. The favorite food of the shrew mole is earthworms, shrubs, and insects of various kinds. The Star-nose Mole is distinguished by a sort of fringe which surrounds the nostrils.

The Pine Marten (Mustela Martes) is found in the woody districts in the northern parts of North America in great numbers. It burrows in the ground. Its fur is fine, and has always been an important article of commerce. The Pekan or Fisher (Mustela Canadensis) is known under many appellations. It is a larger and stronger animal than the pine marten, but has similar manners. It lives in the woods, in the vicinity of water. Its favorite food is said to be the Canada porcupine. The Mink, or Vison Weasel (Putorius Vison), passes much of its time in the water, and preys on small fish, spawn, and muscles. It swims and dives well, but travels slowly on land. Its fur is of little value.

Pine Marten.

The Skunk (Mephitis Americana), with which every farmer is well acquainted, is thus described by Dr. Godman. "Pedestrians, called by business or pleasure to ramble through the country during the morning or evening twilight, occasionally see a small and pretty animal a short distance before them in the path, scampering forward without appearing much alarmed, and advancing in a serpentine direction. Experienced persons generally delay long enough to allow this unwelcome fellow-traveler to withdraw from the path. It would be prudent to rest content with pelting this quadruped from a safe distance, or to drive it away by shouting loudly; but most inexperienced persons, the first time such an opportunity occurs, rush forward with the intention of running the animal down. This appears to be an easy task; in a few moments it is almost overtaken; a few more strides, and the victim may be grasped by its long and waving tail; but that tail is now suddenly curled over the back, the animal's pace is slackened, and in one instant, the condition of things is entirely reversed; the lately triumphant pursuer is eagerly flying from his intended prize, involved in an atmosphere of stench, gasping for breath, or blinded and smarting with pain, if his approach were sufficiently close to admit of his being struck in the eyes by the pestilent fluid of the skunk." This is secreted in a few glands, and when scattered upon the body of its enemies, or even in the air, is sufficient to disarm the violence of most quadrupeds, and induce man himself to avoid rather than to seek an encounter. This animal inhabits the whole of North America. It is generally found in forests, making its den in the hollow of an old tree. It feeds upon the young and eggs of birds, on small quadrupeds, and wild fruits.

The Weasel (Putorius vulgaris) is the smallest of the class to which it belongs, and is an active and handsome little animal. It moves by unequal leaps, and can spring several feet from the ground, or run up a wall without difficulty. When it enters a hen-roost, it never meddles with the cocks or old hens, but makes choice of the young chickens, which it kills with a single stroke on the head, and carries away one after another. The eggs it sucks with incredible avidity, making a small hole at one end, through which it licks out the yolk. It also climbs into pigeon-houses, and up to the nests of sparrows, where it commits great havoc. It may be tamed, and is then very good-tempered and exceedingly curious. Godman considers the common weasel of the country to be the identical white ermine or stoat of Europe, but Richardson affirms, that the European weasel is indubitably an inhabitant of America. One or the other of these naturalists must be mistaken, or both the European ermine and weasel are found here.

Otter. The American otter (Lutra Canadensis) inhabits the whole continent; it is about three and a half feet long, and is covered with a very thick, fine fur, which is an article of commerce. The otter lives principally in the water, and feeds on fish. This creature has a sin

gular way of amusing itself, by sliding down hills of snow, or smooth banks of earth, upon its belly. The sea otter (Lutra marina), which is of the size of a large mastiff, is found only near the salt water, from 49° to 60° north latitude. Its fur sells at a high price in China, and it is taken in great numbers on the northwest coast, in nets or from boats.

The Red Fox (Vulpes fulvus) of America is common, and is much hunted during the autumn and winter by the sportsmen, who pursue him with packs of hounds. They are not

mounted, as in England, but go on foot, and shoot him when he comes within reach of a bullet or buck-shot. He is also frequently taken in steel traps. He possesses all the art of his European brother, but his brush is finer, and he is altogether a superior animal. He is very common in the wooded districts of the northern fur-countries, about 8,000 skins being annually imported into England from thence. This species preys much on the smaller animals of the rat tribe, but it is fond of fish, and rejects no kind of animal food that comes in its way. It hunts its food chiefly in the night.

The Arctic Fox (Vulpes lagopus) is found in the northern parts of America, and is very abundant around Hudson's Bay. In its winter dress, it is of a pure white color. It breeds on the seacoast, principally within the arctic circle, forming burrows in sandy spots. Its fur is of small value, but its flesh is palatable. The Sooty Fox (Vulpes fuliginosus) is a mere variety of the arctic fox. It is of a blackish-brown color. The Cross Fox is considered as a variety of the red fox. Its fur is very valuable. The Black or Siberia Fox is more rare than the cross fox. There are seldom more than four or five of them taken during a season. Its fur is six times the value of that of any other fox in North America. The Gray Fox is sometimes, though rarely, found in Canada, but frequents the southern parts of the United States.

Squirrels. At the approach of autumn, a stranger will occasionally be saluted from some neighboring tree by a succession of sharp sounds, uttered with the greatest rapidity. While he is looking round to discover the cause, he will be at one moment inclined to laugh, at another to be angry. He will at length perceive, on one of the highest branches of the tree; a squirrel in violent agitation, looking down upon him, and seeming to utter a torrent of invective. Sometimes the little orator's throat appears to express a sort of elvish indignation, and then again to be filled with Billingsgate. It will require no great effort of imagination for the listener to fancy himself assailed by every epithet which ridicule, defiance, and contempt may suggest. This animal is the Common red Squirrel.

Red Squirrel.

The Black Squirrel (Sciurus niger) is abundant in most parts of the Middle States, and in size and habits resembles the American gray squirrel. Its color is usually a jet black. It is a beautiful animal, possessing all the vivacity of its genus; it climbs the tops of the highest trees, leaping fearlessly from branch to branch; sometimes it descends to the ground, and may be seen passing rapidly along at great leaps. The Common Gray Squirrel is abundant.

The Great-tailed Squirrel, so called from the length of its tail, is common on the Missouri. It is of grayish-black color, and is very graceful and active. The Line-tailed Squirrel inhabits the Missouri country, where it builds its nest in the holes and crevices of rocks. It is fond of the naked cliffs where there are but few bushes, and very rarely ascends a tree. It feeds on the buds, leaves, and fruits of plants. It is of an ash color, intermixed with white hairs. Its fur is coarse, and the tail, which is very long, is

marked with three black lines on each side. The Four-lined Squirrel is found on the Rocky Mountains. Its nest is composed of a great quantity of the branches of different kinds of trees and of other vegetable productions. It does not ascend trees by choice. This squirrel is marked on the head and back with white lines. It is exceedingly active and industrious. The Rocky Mountain Flying Squirrel lives in thick pine forests, and seldom leaves its retreat except at night. It is of a yellowishbrown color, and has a thick and long tail. The Camas Rat, or Gopher, is found on the Oregon and Missouri rivers. It lives beneath the surface of the earth, and eats roots. The head appears large and clumsy, owing to its cheek-pouches. The root of the camas plant is its favorite food, from which it derives its It is said by Schoolcraft to employ its pouches in carrying dirt out of its hole, and Richardson adopts this account as true; but an intelligent individual, who has spent much time in the country which it frequents, assures us, that he has often seen the gopher at work, and that it brings up the dirt with its broad feet. The quantity that it will throw out in a short space of time, is truly astonishing. The Cat Squirrel, which is the largest species in the United States, is occasionally found in Pennsylvania and New York.

The Flying Squirrel (Peteromys volucella) is very abundant in various parts of the country.

Common Flying Squirrel.

It is much admired for the softness of its fur, and the gentleness of its disposition. The skin of the sides is extended from the fore to the hind limbs, so as to form a sort of sail, which enables it to descend swiftly from a great height, in the easiest and most pleasant manner, often passing over a considerable space. This squirrel is small, of an ash color above, and white beneath, with large, prominent, black eyes. It builds its nest in hollow trees.

The Ground or Striped Squirrel (Sciurus Lysteri) is abundant in all our woods. It is sometimes called Harkee, and, in New England, is usually denominated the Chip Squirrel. It differs very much from other squirrels in its habits. It never makes its nest in the branches of trees, but burrows near the roots. These burrows extend to a considerable distance under ground, and are always provided with two openings.

The Urson, or Canada Porcupine (Histrix pilosus), is occasionally met with in Pennsylvania and the western part of the State of New York; further north and west it is abundant. It resembles the beaver in shape, its skin being armed with sharp spines or quills, which serve for defence; the Indians use these for ornamenting their moccasins and various other articles of dress. The porcupine dislikes water, and is fearful of wetting himself. He makes his habitation under the roots of hollow trees, sleeps a great deal, and feeds chiefly upon the bark of juniper. In winter, the snow serves him for drink; in summer, he laps water like a dog. The Hare. The animal (Lepus Americanus), which is generally, but erroneously, called

rabbit in this country, is a species of hare considerably inferior in size to that of England. It is abundant in different. parts of America. Large numbers are annually destroyed for the sake of their flesh and fur. It never burrows in the ground like the common European rabbit, but during the daytime, remains crouched in its form, which is a mere space of the size of the animal, upon the surface of the ground, cleared of grass, and sheltered by some plant. The best time for studying its habits is during moonlight nights, when it is to be seen sporting with its companions in unconstrained gambols, frisking with delighted eagerness around its mate, or busily engaged in cropping its food.

American Hare.