Cornell University Library 3j The original of tiiis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924104225598 CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 3 1924 104 225 598 Australian Grass Parsakbbt (Melopsittacus acdulatus^ Rose Cockatoo (Cacatua roaeicapiUa) Rose-Ringed Parrakeet CPaleomis docilia) Red and Blue Macaw (Ara macao) Yellow-Headed Amazon (Amazona oratrix) African Gray Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) Aimiffl BotsfoFca Comgtock Assistant Professor Nature-Study, Cornell University Author Handbook of Nature-Study, Bird Note Books, How to Keep Bees SECOND EDITION ITHACA, NEW YORK THE COMSTOCK PUBLISHING COMPANY 191.5 'O, Sb"-!^ COPYRIGHT 1914 BY THE COM STOCK PUBLISHING CO PRESS OF W. F. HUMPHREY GENEVA, N. Y. Cornell University Library SF 413.C73 1915 The pet book 3 1924 001 170 681 Mv Special ^et anb JJamesafee PREFACE THE keeping of pets should provide the child with excellent training for making him respon- sible. To attain this he should have the entire care of the dependent creature. The chief advantage of this peculiar training and responsibility lies in the fact that the child loves the pet, and there is no training in thoughtfulness for others so educating as that attained through loving service. If the child tires of a pet, it should be given to someone else, or chloroformed. It is a cruel act to make a pet dependent upon a careless or unloving master, and it teaches a child cruelty and hardness of heart to be obliged to give unloving care. Pets are greatly needed in most homes these days, for this very purpose of developing responsi- bility in children, by giving them duties of real importance. In our present civilization there seems little enough to give a child the training that was so valuable to us who were fortunate enough to spend our childhood upon the farm, where a thousand little duties were constantly calling to us, and which, very early, impressed upon us the fact that this world did not exist for our selfish pleasure, but rather as an opportunity for us to exercise the helping hand; and that our importance in it was measured by our usefulness. The keeping of pets should also be an education to a child in the matter of interesting him in other countries, through a study of his pets in their natural surroundings. Thus he shotdd be spurred on to the study of natural history, and come to feel that The Pet Book Preface his interests are world-wide. The parrot shotdd make him anxious to read of Africa and Austraha or Brazil. The Guinea-pig, of Peru; and the love-birds of Madagascar. In this book a brief outline is given, first, of the creature, or its ancestors, in native surroundings, and how life is carried on there. This is for the purpose of making the child more intelligent in his treatment of the pet. It has not been within the scope of so small a book to discuss extensively breeds and varieties. If a child is to make a specialty of dogs, cats, guinea- pigs, or canaries, or any other creatures, he should have the books devoted to this one subject. A carefully selected bibliography is added to each subject, that gives the names of special books dealing with these animals. Nor is it within the scope of this book to deal, except in the most casual way, with the diseases of animals. Plenty of sug- gestions for hygiene are given in each case, and if the pet falls sick, a physician or a veterinarian should be consulted. The mocking bird is not included because of the recent law, which prohibits the use of this bird as a caged pet. Undoubtedly there are many creatures used as pets which are not mentioned, since only the more common ones coiild be treated in so small a volume. The special value of this volume, in the opinion of the author, is the help it gives in telling children how to take care of the little wild creatures they bring home as treasures captured during their woodlan4 walks and which usually die because of ignorance of their needs on the part of their captors. This was the most difficult part of the book to write Preface The Pet Book for there is nowhere on record rational treatment for this kind of pets. Because of this, the author called upon Dr. Homaday for help and through his kindness, she was able to interview the very efficient and experienced curators of the different departments of the New York Zoological Gardens and take extended notes on food and care of these most common animals. There has been an insistent call for this kind of information from teachers of Nature-Study and Biology and also from the Boy Scouts who make their camps more interesting by capturing various wild creatures as they find them. "Being a 'Pet' is at best a hazardous occupation.'^ W. T. HORNADAY. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The author owes grateful acknowledgments to Dr. W. T. Homaday, and his courteous assistants, whose advice as to the care of birds and animals has rendered this volume far more practical than it could otherwise have been. She also wishes to make acknowledgments for the efficient help of Miss Katharine Straith and Miss Myrtle Boice in bringing together material for this book; and to Mrs. Austin Wadsworth for criticism of chapters on dogs and horses. The author also wishes to express her thanks to Doubleday Page & Co. for their kindness in loaning many photographs used in this book, and to Pro- fessor Ida Reveley, to Miss Evelyn G. Mitchell, to Messrs. Karl and Frank Schmidt for the use of their stories, and to Miss Alice Willis and Mr. Eugene Barker for the use of photographs. VI TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Introduction in Foreword to Children 3 Mammals Dog 5 Fox 19 Cat 21 Pony 31 Colt 36 Donkey 39 Calf 42 Fawn 45 Cosset Lamb 48 Goat 51 Pig 55 Monkeys 58 Marmoset 63 Rabbits and Hares 65 Guinea Pig or Cavy 72 Squirrels , 76 Chipmunk 84 Squirrels, Flying 87 Woodchuck 91 Prairie Dog 96 White Rat 99 Mice 102 " Fancy 105 " Japanese Waltzing 108 Oppossum lit Brown Bat, The 114 Raccoon 119 Porcupine 123 Ferrets 126 Skunk 132 Birds Care of 137 Canary 138 Parrots 1 50 Cockatoos 159 Love Birds l5l Crow, The 163 Bluejay, The 167 Magpie, The 170 Owl, The 172 Pigeons 1 76 Chickens 1S8 Bantams 192 Pheasants 194 Quail — Bobwhite 200 VII The Pet Book Contents Birds — Continued Page Peacock, The 203 Goose, The 207 Ducks 213 GuU, The 218 Swans 219 Fish Aquaria 224 Goldfish 226 Paradise Fish 233 Chub, Shiner, Dace 235 Stickleback, The 237 Johnny Darters 239 Sunfish, The 241 Catfish or Bullhead, The 244 Amphibians Toad, The 246 Frog, The 251 Tree-frog, The 253 Salamanders and Newts 256 Reptiles Turtles 260 Pet Snakes 267 Alligators 272 African Chameleon 274 American Chameleon 276 Homed Lizard 278 Invertebrates Crayfish, The 281 Lubbock Ant Nest 286 Observation Bee Hive 292 Terrarium, The 295 Meal Worms How to grow as food for pets 301 VIII LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Page Parrots Frontispiece Intimate friends, a collie and his master 4 Speak for it ! 5 Puppies seeing the world 8 Not yet friends 9 The prize dog and his master 9 Training the puppy 11 A little rough rider 15 Giving the collie pup a ride 18 Young foxes 19 A pet coyote 20 Kitty likes milk 21 Ready for the kitten show 28 In mischief 29 An unusual stepmother 29 Sunshine, kittens and contentment 30 The pet horse 31 Loading a pony with peat in the Shetland Islands 32 Collie dog herding ponies in Shetland Islands 33 The pet colt 38 The donkey as milk carrier 39 A perfect understanding 42 Feeding the calf 43 Deer 44 A fallow deer 45 A noon day rest 48 Feeding the lamb from a bottle 49 Drink, pretty creature, drink 50 Taking a drive 51 A span of angoras 54 A happy family 55 Bottle fed piggies 57 Look pleasant, please. Susjr, a chimpanzee in the New York Zoo- logical Garden, noted for her intelligence and beloved by children. 58 A bunny family 64 A wild rabbit "Whar's Bre'r Rabbit" 65 White Peruvian Guinea pig / >,, Abysinnian Guinea pig ) Feeding the gray squirrel 76 Have a peanut 82 Daring Fate! A red squirrel at the bird's drinking dish 83 A Pet chipmunk filling his cheek pouches with hickory nuts 84 Chipsy. A pet Sierra chipmunk giving his favorite performance on a tumbler 85 A flying squirrel 86 A tamed flying squirrel coming to its food basket at night 87 A woodchuck mother and little one 9° A pet woodchuck sitting for its picture 91 IX The Pet Book Illustrations Page Prairie dog at the door of his burrow 96 A burrowing owl at the entrance of prairie dog's tunnel 97 A pet prairie dog 98 White mice 1 Baby mice, pink, bare and blind 1 "" A white-footed mouse at her own doorway no Take care! A mother opposum defending her young in Playing possum 112 The little brown bat { A bat asleep ) "4 Just after a nap. A raccoon in a tree 118 Feeding a baby coon from a bottle 119 Pet skunks i;6 Taming a young robin 137 Making friends with a young oriole 138 Freedom not appreciated. A canary out of its cage 139 A parrot learning a bugle call 1^0 A good natured polly 151 Whistling to the cockatoo 159 Chums. A boy and his pet crow i£6 A blue jay family. Kun;;ry youngsters and a discouraged parent 167 Magpies and their nest 170 Taming a young chickadee 171 A sleepy young screech ov.'l 172 A screech owl and its brealdast 1 73 Pet pigeons 176 Pet pigeons, a Fan Tail and a Ilcmcr 177 It's a queer world we have been hatched i:ito! 188 A friendly biddy and her master 1 89 Playing horse 190 A pet rooster 191 Finding a pheasant's nest 194 Pheasant chicks 195 EngHsh pheasants 196 Silver pheasants 197 A flock of tame quail 200 A quail chick 201 A peacock in all his glory 202 A white peacock 203 Canadian or wild geese 206 A little goose girl and her flock cf Chi:icce recce 207 A pair of mallard ducks 212 Feeding the ducldings 213 A sea-gull 218 A pair of swans and their cy;;;nets 219 A swan turning her eggs. Scene in a cv:anncry 222 Getting material for his aquarium 224 Goldfish 2;2 Aquaria and a paradise fish 233 A stickleback guarding his nest 2;8 A sunfish 2-' 2 Illustrations The Pet Book Page A bullhead 244 Fishing for minnows 245 Sitting for their pictures 246 Toads do not make warts 247 A toad singing 250 A frog swimming 250 "Nice froggie" 251 A frog at home 252 "Froggie'shandis different from his foot" 253 A tree frog 254 Newts swimming 256 A red-spotted newt stalking plant lice 256 The baby turtle 260 A mother turtle digging a nest for her eggs 261 Turtle eggs and young just hatched 261 Daniel, a painted pet terrapin. Putting Daniel back in his home stream 264 Feeding a pet land tortoise in California 265 William and his pets 266 A snake in the hand is worth two spotted adders on the ground 267 A pair of garters 268 Pine snake 268 This little child loves living playthings 269 An alligator taking a nap 272 The green lizard, or American chameleon 276 The homed toad at home 278 A Lubbock ant's nest with one-half the cover lifted 286 "Pretty caterpillar" 287 An observation bee-hive 294 Many interesting happenings in the school terrarium 295 Pullmeasure 302 FOMEWORB TO CHILDREN ONE of the greatest pleasures in keeping pets conies from giving them personal care. There is hardly any creature so dull that it does not learn to recognize the one who feeds and cares for it, and therefore comes to love this giver of all its comforts and necessities. You raust realize that, in a way, you stand in the same relation to your pets as do your parents or guardians to you; and you can, perhaps, imagine how you would feel if your mother were too busy some morning to give you any breakfast, or your father too absorbed in his own affairs to furnish you with clothing or care. Your pets are helpless little creatures, absolutely dependent upon you; and any boy or girl who is a traitor to this trust, should receive like treatment from those upon whom he is dependent, so that he may learn how it feels to be neglected. If you forget to feed your caged pet some day, then you too should go without eating for a day, and dis- cover what the experience is like. Feeding your pets should be just as much a part of your morning's routine as eating your own breakfast. You must remember that only a few pets like to be handled. The cat, dog, and some other domestic animals are accustomed to it ; but to most creatures this experience seems dangerous, and they instinc- tively shrink from it. Thus, consideration for your pet will keep you from trying to handle it until it has gained so much confidence in you that it invites your caresses. The Pet Book Foreword to Children Another important thing for you to bear in mind is that our common wild animals and birds, caught when young and reared in a cage, are quite unfitted to care for themselves when they are liberated. It is therefore far better to let the little creatures have their liberty as soon as they are old enough to move about freely, and keep their companionship by feeding them daily. Gentleness and kindness are the two means at your command for gaining the love and confidence of your pets; and there is no happiness quite so heart-satisfying, as that which comes from feeling that some little dependent creature looks up to you with faith that you are the most beneficent being in the whole world. One delightftd entertainment in connection with pets is the keeping of a note-book in which is recorded accounts of their cunning actions and clever tricks. Such a note-book will ever afterwards be a source of pleasure and interest, and many of the observa- tions recounted in it may prove of real importance scientifically. Such a book may be illustrated also if you are clever with your pencil or brush. On page 80 is given extracts from one of my own note- books devoted to a baby-squirrel. This will suggest some idea as to methods of recording animal be- havior. Study your pets as individuals, for you will find that the lower animals differ one from another as much as do people. Find by experiment what your individual pet likes best, and gratify its tastes. If possible, give a variety of food by changing the dietary somewhat from day to day; keep the cages clean and wholesome, and always provide plenty of fresh water. Do by your pets as you yourself woiild be done by, for the Golden Rule works quite as well with the lower creatures as with people. Fholo by \'<-nic \hn-lnu IMIMATI-; FRIENDS A C'.lliu and his master ;ak II IK II a mm inm a 1 THE DOG |0 REALLY understand our dog we should know some of the reasons for his habits and peculiar powers. The only way to learn these is to study the ways of his nearest wild relatives, which are the wolves, for we are certain that our dogs had wolf- like ancestors. Even now there are packs of wild dogs in Australia and India that have wolf -like habits. There is perhaps no more delightful way to become acquainted with wolf habits than to read the First Jungle Book and become familiar with the ways of Mowgli's brothers. Although the Jungle Stories are in part fanciful, the habits and ways of wolves are well portrayed in them. We should also read Thompson-Seton's "Lobo" in Wild Animals I Have Known, and "Tito" in Lives of the Hunted. Let us consider for a moment what we find in our dog that he has inherited from his wild ancestors : The ancestral dog ran down his prey, and did not lie in ambush, as did the ancestral cat. To run down such creatures as deer, sheep, goats, and the like, the dog needed to have long and strong legs, and feet well-padded, so they should not be torn by rocks; the toe-nails had to be large and stout, and not to be pulled back, like the cat's, for the dog needs his claws to help keep his footing, especially when turning quickly. The dog's body is naturally long, lean and muscular, just the kind of a body Mammals Th e D o g that a runner needs; and it is covered with coarse protective hair, instead of fine fur, which would be too warm a coat for so active an animal. The dog has a keen eye, but cannot see in the dark as well as does the cat. Yet the wild ancestors of the dog hunted mostly at night, their wonderful powers of smell rendering the keener sight unneces- sary. Our dog is so much superior to us in the ability to smell, that we cannot easily imagine how the world seems to him ; his world is as full of scents as ours is full of objects which we see. The damp, soft skin that covers his nose is moist, and is in the best possible condition to carry the scent to the wide nostrils. The nostrils are situated in the most forward part of the face, and thus may be turned in any direction to receive the impressions which every T3reath of air brings to them. Hounds often follow the track of a fox several hours after it was made. The dog knows all his friends and enemies by their odor more surely than by their appearance. The dog's hearing is also very acute, and his ear- flaps are arranged so that they may be lifted in any. direction, to guide the sound to the inner ear. His weapons for battle are his teeth, especially the great tushes, or canines; his molars are especially fitted for cutting meat, but not for chewing; these teeth cut the food into pieces small enough so that he can gulp them down, and the stomach does the rest. Most dogs bay when following their prey, which at first thought might seem bad policy, since the sound tells the victim where the enemy is; but we must remember that wolves hunt in packs, and the baying keeps the pack together. Dogs often howl The D g Mammals at night; this is an ancestral habit to call the pack together; it is interesting to note that the dog when howling lifts his nose in the air so as to send the sound far and wide. The reason that occasionally a dog howls when he hears mtisic, is becatise it probably reminds him in some way of the howling of the pack, and he at once joins the chorus. Although we know that our dog descended from a wild animal, we do not know just which ones of the wolf tribe were his ancestors, for the dog was man's domesticated companion long before there were any picture records of man's history. It is believed that the savages of different lands developed their dogs from the native wild species of wolves or dogs in order to use them to help in hunting. The scientists who study the specimens of animals preserved in the rocks, tell us that the dog's brain has increased in quality and size through his asso- ciation with man. More than two hundred breeds of dogs have been developed by man, and each one has its own peculi- arities, and therefore should have special treatment. All that we can do in this little book is to give general directions which are equally good for all dogs. DIFFERENT BREEDS OF DOGS Although different species of wild dogs or wolves may have been responsible for some breeds of dogs, like those used by the Eskimo, and although Egyp- tian pictures made more than five thousand years ago show that even then various breeds had been developed, yet most of our common breeds have been developed in Europe and England within a few M am vials The Dog centuries. It is interesting to note that pictures painted by great artists showing dogs in hunting scenes, have helped much in reveahng the history of different varieties. Since dogs were tamed first to become the compan- ions and protectors of man, so the different breeds have been developed to meet the needs or fancies of man. For instance, the bulldog was originally a large dog used for general purposes, but the need for a dog by butchers and others to subdue wild and fierce bulls developed a dog with strong jaw and grit to match. At first the bull was led by the ear, and naturally a large rather tall dog was needed for that ; later, the bull was led by the nose and a smaller, short -legged dog was needed for that, and thus the bulldog as we know him was evolved. In ancient times there were many robbers that preyed upon people who lived in isolated houses, and strong, fierce watch dogs were almost a neces- sity; these were called "bandogs", and from them was developed the mastiff. The great Dane came from a race of dogs prized by the Greeks and Romans in hunting fierce wild game, like the wild boar. The greyhound gained his slender body and long legs because man needed a swift dog to help him catch, for food, swift animals like rabbits and deer. Later the foxhound was developed to hunt foxes for sport; and the long-bodied short-legged dachs- hund was evolved to go into the burrows of badgers and rabbits and thus capture these creatures. The great St. Bernard came into being by aiding the monks of Switzerland in keeping to the safe roads in deep snows, thus enabling travelers to reach the hospices in safety. The Newfoundland probably developed itself as a water dog since in that country 1111 in- --CLIN nil- W 1 LI The D g M avimals it had to eat fish or starve and therefore learned to catch fish for itself. It thus gained its webbed feet. The spaniel was first used to start game birds for falcons both on land and water, as records five hun- dred years ago show; and the setter was also early developed as a dog that would sit down as soon as it located game, but pointers were probably developed independently. The spaniel, as its name indicates came originally from Spain. It was first used to spring feathered game for the hawk ; while the sitting spaniel or "setter" was used to start birds to be caught in a net; and the pointer was used to point game which the hunter shot with the cross-bow, — all before gunpowder was invented. From ancient times almost every country had its sheep dogs, for one of the earliest needs for a dog was to aid nomadic man in guarding his flocks of cattle, sheep and goats. In the British Isles there have been developed three kinds of sheep dogs, the smooth coated, the bobtailed, and the collie. The collie was developed in the Highlands of Scot- land, but from what ancestors we do not know; he is famed for his loyalty and sagacity in caring for sheep, but he was scarcely known outside of Scotland before i860. Now he is a favorite in every civilized country, and is highly appreciated for his intelligence and beauty. Every one inter- ested in collies should read "I3ob, Son of Battle," for this book gives a true picture of the skill of these wonderful dogs in their native Highlands. The terriers seem to have originated in England and are of hound origin, — probably a mixture of fox- hound or wolfhound and deerhound. They were probably mongrels of small size in that they were used to htmt badgers, foxes and rabbits in their bur- Mammals The D o g rows. They thus won their name, terrier, from the Latin terra, meaning earth. Although such dogs may- have existed in England for several centuries, the many breeds of terriers known today have been developed mostly within the last century. The toy dogs were especially developed as pets, and have no use whatever. The Pomeranian or spitz is descended from a large dog, and was developed in Southern Europe. The poodle has a spaniel origin, and the fashion of clipping his hair is at least three hundred years old, as is shown by pictures. The Alaltese toy dog is descended from poodles. The pug is from China, and of very ancient lineage. The Pekinese and Japanese spaniels are also of a very ancient breed, and probably have common ancestors. HOUSE Our friend, the dog, is so sensitive to treatment that he needs to be considered as one of the family, if we wish him to be comfortable, happy and healthy ; and when he has the run of the premises with his bed in the stable he is usually very comfortable. However, it is often necessary that he sleep in a kennel, and this should always be attractive, light, well-venti- lated, not too cold, well-drained, clean, and entirely free from dampness and draughts. The best kennel is one which can be cleaned and aired when not in use. It may be a wooden box, or a barrel, turned upside down, placed on a platform raised a little above the earth; or it may be an especially built house ; but of whatever form, it needs to be roomy, protected from the cold winter winds and shaded from the summer's sun. It is highly desirable that there should be two little windows at the top of the The Dog Ma VI vials kennel, on opposite sides. These may be of glass, or simply holes with wooden shutters; in either case, they shotild be arranged so that they may be opened or closed, depending upon the weather or the direc- tion of the wind. For the dog's bed, a layer of clean straw is best, and this should be changed every week. Sawdust, carpets and mattings are not desirable as bedding, since they harbor fleas. When the kennel is scrubbed, disinfectants should be used, and it should be per- fectly dry before new straw for the bed is put in place. The walls of the kennels should be white- washed, or painted with creolin to keep them sweet and clean. There should be sand in front of the kennel, and if the dog is chained, a long chain from six to nine feet should be used, and there should be always a plentiful supply of fresh, clean water within reach. It is best to have but one dog in a small kennel. If the dog sleeps in a warm comer of shed or stable, or if allowed to sleep in the house, he should always have a comer of his own ; in such a situation a piece of carpet may be used for bedding, which should be often cleaned, or changed. Delicate dogs need a bed almost as soft as our own ; but a dog should not be allowed to sleep on the bed of his master, for hygienic reasons. FOOD To keep a dog happy, healthy and active, we must be careful to feed him regularly and moderately ; we must study our dog, and see how much he naturally eats and never urge him to eat more. A-Iost dogs are fed too often, although there is a difference in food requirements of different breeds. Large, and very Mammals The Dog active dogs will constune more then those which are smaller or more quiet in their habits. Two meals per day, a light breakfast and a supper which he can digest, are all that a dog needs. The best diet is varied. Meat should not be given except in small quantities; it should be cooked, and even then, should be given sparingly. The food does not need to be warm, and must never be hot or sloppy. Scraps from the table may be fed, if they contain a su.f!icient amount of meat; if not, cheap meat should be bought and boiled, and it, or its liquor mixed with bread or vegetables. The best diet is made of meat thus cooked, chopped and mixed with rice or oatmeal, or occasionally with corn meal for a variety ; but the latter is too heating for summer diet. Rice cooked with codfish is an excellent food for winter. Cooked vegetables should be fed at least twice a week; if the dog seems hungry after eating porridge or vegetables, he may be given a dog biscuit. For breakfast give porridge with milk, taking care to not have it sloppy, and a dog biscuit three or four times a week if necessary. For the evening rneal, give a mixture of vegetables and cooked meat, in the proportion of one-fourth or less of meat to three-fourths of bread or vegetables. A large dog, weighing eighty pounds, may be given at each meal three-fourths of a pound of cooked rice with one-fourth pound of cooked meat chopped, and mixed so thoroughly that the meat cannot be separated from the rice. We have known of hounds kept in perfect condition in winter when fed steadily on corn meal in the form of johnny-cake or mush mixed with stewed scraps of waste meat. The johnny-cake was made with lard or cottolene. In summer, less meat and much skimmed milk were given. 12 The D g M amm als Do not pay attention when your dog begs for food, since to yield would most likely ruin his health. He shotdd not be fed at the table, nor out of regular hours. The dishes from which he eats should be cleaned every day. They should be of earthen or agate ware, and not old rusty tins. The dishes should never be washed with the dishes from our table ; this is a practice dangerous to our health. The dog is fond of gnawing bones; this assists in keeping his teeth clean. The bone should be of medium hard- ness, but the bones of chicken or game should never be given, as they are likely to splinter and choke the animal. Our sldn is filled with pores through which we per- spire, but the dog can only perspire through his tongue. If he cannot get water on a hot day his suffering is intense ; and to keep a dog well, he must always have access to plenty of fresh, clean water. A drinking dish for his u.se should always be kept in a certain place; there should be one inside the house, and one in the yard, and both should be cleaned and filled every day. CARE An over-fed, inactive dog is a loafer, and not to be desired. The best dog is one that takes plenty of exercise. If possible, he should be allowed to run daily in the fields; but if this is not practicable, he shoiild be taken out daily for long walks. The dog's skin is very sensitive, and he should not be washed except when necessary. In summer he may be bathed often, but in winter only when decency demands it. He should be bathed in water of tepid temperature. The head should be wet first, but the water should be kept out of the ears, since 13 M animals The Dog it causes canker. After coming from the bath he should be placed where there are no drafts, and where he will dry rapidly and thoroughly. Kneading him, and rubbing with a coarse, rough towel, will assist in this process. After the bath he should be taken for a brisk run. A desirable collar for a dog is of fiat leather; but a round leather collar is cooler for siimmer. If it is necessary to chain the dog, fasten a wire rope between two trees or posts, about seven feet from the ground, place a ring on the rope to which attach his chain, this will give him some freedom for exercise. The dog always recognizes a friend. He is very sensitive, and harsh treatment will never teach hira obedience. He is intelligent, and with patience may be controlled by the tone of voice. When he does wrong, he should be corrected at the time, but he should never be struck over the ears, mouth or ab- domen. An obedient dog is far happier than one that disobeys. Develop his intelligence, and teach him to do useful things, as well as to play. If it is desirable that the dog should look his best, he may be brushed with a leather brush once a week ; the brush and comb should be disinfected and cleaned after use each time. Ordinarily combing and brush- ing is reserved for show dogs. The disinfectant used for kennels and cages in the New York Zoological Gardens is "White pine," diluted according to direc- tions, and sprinkled or spread over the walls and floors. Jeyes fluid, sanitas and izal, in hot solutions may be used. Creolin is also excellent. The kennel must be sprayed while it is empty, and the disin- fectant must be washed off before the animal is returned to it. If this is done often, the dog will be kept free from fleas and other parasites. 14 rnoio oy I fine AJurlim TK_U_\IN(t IME FIPF'V The D g Mammals If the dog is in poor condition, and becomes thin and weak with distended stomach, and has a large appetite, he is probably afflicted with worms, and should be given a good vermifuge when his stomach is empty. "Sure-shot" is very highly recommended as a vermifuge, and should be used according to direc- tions; however, there are many good medicines of this sort on the market, and usually after a vermifuge is given it should be followed v/ith a dose of castor oil, a teaspoonful for a small dog, or a tablespoonful for a large dog. The rubbing of the hind parts along the ground is a sign that a dog is troubled with worms. For constipation, olive oil may be given, or small doses of castor oil. A little cod liver oil should be given occasionally to keep the dog in good condition. This may be procured in form of biscuit. Food manufacturers like Spratt's Co. have a large variety of foods which have corrective and tonic effects upon the dog's system, and may be substituted for medicine. For wounds and sores apply flowers of sulphur and crude petroleum mixed to a thick cream. CARE OF PUPPIES The mother dog should have all the freedom possi- ble before giving birth to her puppies. She should also have an extra amount of food. It is far better to let her have freedom and choose her own place to cradle her young ; or if this is impossible, a comforta- ble, well-drained kennel, quiet, retired from people and dogs should be provided for her. The puppies are carried by the mother nine weeks, and are born blind. Their eyes open in eight to ten days. The mother should be left alone in their earliest care. 15 Mammals The D o g While she is nursing her htter she shotdd be given plenty of easily digested food, which should be salted, and have in it plenty of oily matter. She shotild not be allowed to bring up too large a litter, never more than eight, and fewer according to her size. If the puppies are thin, one or more should be taken away. As soon as the puppies are old enough to take food from us, they should be fed four times a day, and milk should be a large part t)f the food. If vegetables or mYish are given with it, there should be twice as much of milk. As it is desirable that puppies should eat all that is possible, they may be fed more than they can eat, but the remains must be cleaned up each time. A dry dog biscuit should be given the puppy to gnaw when he is about eight weeks old, so that the teeth may be strengthened and kept clean, but he should never be given a hard bone. Phosphated lime or bone-dust should be scattered over the puppy's food from time to time to help in forming his bones. Puppies shotdd never be lifted by the neck as we lift a kitten, but should be lifted by placing both hands beneath the body. If puppies are afflicted with fleas they should be washed carefully and dried in a warm atmosphere, and their kennels disinfected. Many recommend Deqter's cream of parasites, which may be used with safety with excellent results in freeing dogs from fleas; or they may be washed with Spratt's or Jeyes' soaps, and izal used afterwards. Puppies are likely to be troubled with lice which do not affect the old dog. If a mixture of lard and flowers of sulphur be rubbed over the puppy, espec- ially at the roots of the tail, and around the backs of the ears, this pest may be conquered. When apply- ing the paste rub against the hair. The paste may i6 The Dog Mammals be applied twice, leaving one day between. The day after the last application the little victim should be washed with soap and water and dried carefully, in a place free from cold and drafts. This remedy rarely needs to be used a second time. Puppies are likely to be troubled with worms after weaning. The signs are, inflated abdomen, weakness as shown by sitting or lying instead of running about, and becoming so thin that the ribs show. A vermi- fuge once or twice repeated is important. Get a good vermifuge, like "Sure-shot," or Spratt's worm capsules for puppies, and follow directions. Each puppy individually must be taught cleanly habits, beginning as soon as it is old enough to run about freely. At this time the puppy requires con- stant care, and only by unwearying attention can it be properly trained. It should be put out of doors every half hour for the first three days after it has been brought into the house. Each time, as it comes back, it should be patted and praised. If it urinates on the floor, rub its nose in the puddle and put it out of doors, but do not whip it, since a nervous dog will thus be cowed and be all the harder to train. After the three days, watch carefully and if it begins to seem uneasy and to sniff around the floor, take it up and put it out immediately. If the puppy is to live entirely in the house, a sand tray should be pro- vided, which should be placed in a closed box, and the puppy should be put into this box instead of out of doors . The sand in the tray needs to be changed every day. Two weeks of careful training usually serves to teach most dogs cleanly habits. Care must be taken never to keep the dog waiting if it seems uneasy, and it should be borne in mind that an ill-trained dog owes. his failings to the fault of the trainer. 17 Mammals The D o g DOG MAXIMS Never give a dog hot food. Never allow a dog to eat out of a dish used by people for eating or washing; the dog has parasites dangerous to us. Never let a dog lick your face. Do not force a dog into water for sticks if he does not wish to go, for it may injure him. If the dog leaves part of his food untouched, he is being fed too much. If a dog bites you, disinfect the wound with a strong solution of carbolic acid and constilt a doctor. If you do not wish your dog to be "smelly", wash him as often as needful, and wet him to the skin. If you have to punish your dog, do it when he is caught in the offense, for dogs cannot remember long. Never strike a dog over the head, ears, or abdomen. The dog should always have access to fresh, clean water. REFERENCES American Animals, Stone and Cram. The Dog Book, Watson. Outdoor Work, M. R. Miller. "Chink," and "Bad Lands Billy," Lives op the Hunted; "Snap," and "The Winipeg Wolf," in Animal Heroes; "Tito," in Lives of the Hunted, and "Lobo," Wild Animals I Have Known, Thmnpson-Seton. "Mowgli Stories," and "Red Dog," in Jungle Stories, Kipling. Bob, Son of Battle, OlUphani. Rab and His Friends, John Brown. Stories of Brave Dogs, retold from St. Nicholas. The Dog of Flanders, Ouida. "The Passing of the Black Whelps," The Watchers of the Trails, C. G. D. Roberts. I'hnlu hv I nilr Murl, \insi. Foxes THE FOX ARING and rascally is the fox as a pet, and on account of its rascality it needs especial attention and care. Many a country boy who kept his ;pet fox carefully chained to a ken- nel wondered how it managed to capture a chicken so often. But, after he had studied the wiles of his pet , he wondered no longer ; for he sawit apparently deliberately bait the chickens with the remnants of its meal, meanwhile pretending to be fast asleep, until some reckless biddy came within the radius of its chain. The fox lives in a den or burrow, often selecting a woodchuck burrow, or making one for itself. I once saw a fox home that was in a rather deep cave beneath the roots of a stump. The mother fox usually selects some open place for a den for her litter; often an open field or side hill is chosen for this. The den is carpeted with grass, and is a very comfortable place for the fox cubs. The den of the father fox is usually near by. The fox is an industrious hunter of meadow mice, rabbits, woodchucks, frogs, snakes, grasshoppers and birds and their eggs. It has a bad reputation with the farmer because of its attacks on poultry. It not only raids hen-roosts, but catches many fowls that are wandering through the fields after food. It carries a heavy bird, like a goose, in an interesting manner, by slinging it over its shotdder, and holding the head in its mouth to steady the burden. 19 HI animals The Fox Young foxes are bom in the spring. They are black at first and are exceedingly playful and active. Their parents give them most devoted care. HOUSE Since the fox is closely related to the dog, it should be treated much like a small dog. The pet fox should be chained to a comfortable kennel, or its kennel may be kept in a yard enclosed by a wire fence, which needs to be about six feet high, and shoiild be turned inwards at the top for about a foot, otherwise the captive will climb out. The kennel needs to have fresh bedding put in at least every week, for the fox has a strong and disagreeable odor, and its home soon becomes a most offensive place. If kept in the yard the ground must be kept clean. FOOD A young cub may be brought up on a bottle, giving it warmed cow's milk. As soon as old enough to eat, it may be fed on dog biscuits soaked in milk, and chopped raw meat. The full-grown fox will eat soaked dog biscuit, scraps from the table, and is particularly fond of fowls' heads; and in fact will take almost any kind of raw meat. Fruit or carrots should be offered. These may not be eaten, but the fox should have some vegetable food, and sometimes seems to have a liking for it. Plenty of cold water should be kept where the pet can have access to it at all times. REFERENCES American Animals, Stone and Cram. Red Fox, C. G. D. Roberts. Silver Fox, Thompson-Seton. '. Y ■ '■ }^: ":. ^' t:*? — 1 r'" ^ / H y / W w / " /■ w ''; ■■ , ■ / ^ ■ '.;: s^ F KATKIXA \ViiI,F(;h1'-X." A I'ET COYdTK Kl I r\' I, IKES MILI- THE CAT NLY the student of history can fully appreciate the im- portance of cats. If we could know really the history of the civ- ilizations of the world, we should undoubtedly find that cats have played an important part in it. Wherever pioneers have planted their crops, there have followed rats and mice in plenty to reap their harvest ; there- fore, no part of their household belongings was prized more by our forefathers than the domestic cat. Indeed, the cat is still a great factor in keeping in check rats and mice. Our government appropriates money every year to support cats in the postoffices and other public buildings ; and now in Pittsburg our national government is attempting to develop a strain of cats that can endure life in cold storage ware- houses. Thus we can see that the story of Dick Whittington reveals to us, better than most written histories, the value of a cat in a country overrun with vermin. In Dick Whittington's time a cat was indeed worth its weight in gold. There are in general, two kinds of cats, — the long- haired or Persians and the short-haired which includes our common household puss. Formerly the Angoras were supposed to be distinct from the Persians, but now they are regarded as indistinguishable. The Persian varieties are deter- mined by color. They are the Blacks, the Blues, Mammals The C at the Brown Tabbies, the Oranges and Creams, the Silvers, the Tortoise-shells, and the Whites. The short-haired cats show many varieties in the matter of color, and some in form. They are the Blacks, the Russian Blues, which are not tinged with slate, but are intensely blue, the Creams, and Oranges, the Dutch-marked, being white with black or blue or cream or orange, the Tabbies, the Tortoise-shells and the Whites. The Siamese is pure cream or fawn with seal-brown face, ears, legs and tail, and has bright blue eyes. Manx and Japanese cats have no tails. In an ancient Egyptian picture, a cat with a black stripe on the heels is represented as catching birds for its master. At Sakkara and Benihassan in Egypt are cemeteries of cat mummies, which show how much these creatures were prized thousands of years before the Christian Era. Thus puss has been made the companion of man for so many centuries that we do not know what she was like in her original wild condition. Possibly she, like the dog, has several species, in different countries, as ancestors. However, there are plenty of wild cats still living in many parts of the world, and we can judge by studying them what the v/ild habits of our domestic pets naturally were. The cat can run rapidly for a short distance, but she is not a natural runner like the dog; instead, she is fitted with strong hind legs which enable her to leap far. She does not get her prey by chasing it; she lies in ambush behind some object, or stretched along a limb, not too high from the ground, and there waits for some unsuspecting creature to pass; then she gathers herself tensely and leaps upon her victim stunning it with the blow, and seizes it in her sharp curved claws, and her sharp tushes. The C at Mammals The long, strong, supple body of a cat, covered with soft, sleek fur, is graceful and sinuous in its motions; her step is stealthy, for her claws are re- tracted above her toe-pads, and make no noise ; when hunting she assumes a slinking gait; her eyes are fitted for seeing in daylight or in semi-darkness; the pupils are contracted to mere vertical slits during the day, but at night they expand over almost the entire eye. At the back of the eye is a reflecting surface which catches such dim light as there is, and by reflecting it, enables the cat to use it twice. The cat's nose is moist, and her sense of smell is excellent, but not so keen as that of the dog. However, she has a very keen sense of hearing. Her whiskers are of great use to her; these long hairs about the face are connected at their roots with sensory nerves, so that when moving in the dark, if one of them touches an object, pussy at once receives warning. Puss has a wide range of expression in her voice and gestures. She can mew questioningly, cozily, affectionately or entreatingly ; she can squall when hurt, and emit heart-rending mews when she is lonely, and growl when you interfere with her food. She can purr, which is a very soothing noise indeed; but when she sings for the entertainment of her lover, or howls defiance at her enemy, she wails in a manner that sends chills down the spine of the listener. She can also "spit," a performance most expressive of defiance or contempt. When angry, she switches her tail threateningly; when feeling pleasant and companionable she carries her tail upright ; and when frightened, the hairs of the tail stand out, making it three times its natural size. The cat is a night -prowler by nature, for it is then she most easily finds her prey. She is especially a 23 il/ a mm a Is The Cat hunter of mice and rats, which are also night -prowlers; although these creatures form a natural part of her food, yet she gets so many internal parasites from them, that sometimes her health is thus greatly injured. "Mice make a cat poor," say the farmer people, a true observation because of the many worms which have their early stages in mice, and their later stages in the intestines of the cat. Cats should, when young, be taught to leave birds alone. A little attention in training the kitten will later save the life of many a bird. As soon as the kitten is old enough to begin to notice birds, it should be switched every time it even looks at one. A few days of this kind of treatment is usually sufficient to teach the lesson, for the kitten is no fool. If she persists in catching birds, take the bird from her that she has just killed, put some red pepper upon it, and let her have it again. If this is done once, it will usually make her afraid to touch any bird thereafter. Leaving cats at summer cottages during the winter ought to be considered a criminal offense. The poor cats suffer from the unaccustomed rigors of winter, and by starvation they are forced to climb trees in search of birds. Many thousands of our beneficial song birds are thus sacrificed every year because of the wicked thoughtlessness of people who desert their cats and thus render them wild in their habits. An intelligent cat may be taught many things, and each of us who loves our puss may have an interesting story to tell of the achievements of our especial pet. When I was a baby of five months, I was adopted by a cat, a handsome black and white creature called "Jenny." A cruel woods-cat had come to the bam and killed Jenny's first litter of kittens, and she was a lonely and disconsolate little mother, mourning for 24 The Cat Mammals her children. She seemed to comprehend that I, although larger than she, was an infant. She tried to give me milk from her own breasts, and later brought me half -killed mice and placed them entic- ingly near my hands in my cradle when I was put to sleep on the piazza. Whenever I cried she came to me and tried to comfort me, during the first nine years of my life, which was as long as she lived. Even now I can remember how great a comfort she was to me when naughtiness was the cause of my weeping, and when therefore I felt that the whole world except Jenny was against me. Jenny opened all of the doors in the old farm house from the thumb- piece side. She leaped up and thrust one front leg through the handle, thus supporting her weight while she pressed down on the thumb -piece with the other front foot. I remember our guests were greatly astonished at seeing her come thus swinging into the room on the door. Jenny was very polite, and always thanked us with a mew when we opened the door to let her in or out. HOME The cat is very sensitive to treatment, and responds to good care; if we wish a cat as a real pet we must provide it the comforts of a home. A special sleeping place should be given ; this may con- sist of a box or a basket, in which should be placed a bed of soft straw or hay, with disinfected sawdust sprinkled on the bottom of the box; this bed should be changed as often as is needed. A bit of carpet or a cushion may be used for bedding, but this needs to be frequently cleaned, or it may become infested with fleas. The bed should be placed in a warm and pro- tected situation ; cats should not be put out of doors Mammals The Cat nights. In case the cat is valuable, the risk of losing it is great if it is allowed to run out at night. More- over, it does greatest damage to birds at night, or during early morning. If puss is confined in the house, a shallow tin or box of dry earth or ashes should be kept in some convenient place, and she should be taught to use it. This shotdd be emptied every day to keep it perfectly sanitary. If a number of cats are kept there should be a special room or bioilding with an outside run for their use. This place would need to be heated in cold weather, and must be free from damp, frost and draughts. Cats do not do well in pens or cages. FOOD Cats should be fed well at regular periods. Bread and milk is an acceptable food to most. Potatoes mixed with meat scraps and gravy may be given now and then ; occasionally fish heads, or other fish scraps, boiled with or without rice, are greatly relished. Alany cats like porridge in the winter months, and all enjoy getting raw meat off of bones; however, smaller bones of chicken or game should not be given lest they cause internal injury. Cooked meat, in reasonable quantities, should be given each day. Cats are fond of grass, mint and catnip; catnip especially should be harvested in the summer, so that it may be given in the winter. Some advise the feed- ing of a little raw meat three times a week, but this sometimes produces indigestion, or what is often called "fits." Above all, a dish of clean water should be kept where puss can help herself, for she likes to drink many times a day. Feeding her milk is not 26 The Cat Mammals compensation for lack of water, therefore her special drinking dish should be kept filled with clean water, where she can reach it at any time. CARE Cats are sensitive and nervous creatures, and there- fore it is necessary to treat them with gentleness and kindness. They are timid, but are fond of notice. They are very sensitive to the tone of voice, and often a stem command serves quite as well to warn or punish as a whipping. They are greatly benefited by warmth and sunshine, and should have plenty of exercise. Bathing is not necessary for the short- haired cats, for they are very cleanly and attend to their own washing. The long-haired cats need more care, and cannot be allowed their liberty. They need to be carefully washed, dried and combed before a fire, often enough to keep them clean. Some advise the cleaning of the fur with fine flour, which can be rubbed in and brushed out. During the summer months cats are often troubled with fleas. One remedy for this is to wet the fur in a solution consist- ing of one quart of water to two tablespoons of creolin. This kills the fleas, and leaves no unpleasant odor, and is not poisonous to the cat. A lather of tar soap also may be used for this. An old fashioned remedy was to spray the cat's fur and bedding with spirits of camphor. Carbolic acid should never be used as a disinfectant around cats as it does not agree with them. The epileptic "fits" with which cats are afflicted are often caused by internal parasites, and some good vermifuge should be given. One grain of santonine sprinkled into a little milk and fed three times in one 27 Mammals The Cat day on an empty stomach will usually effect a cure; this treatment may be repeated twice at intervals of two days to make sure. As santonine is a poison if given in large quantities, it should be followed with a teaspoonful of castor oil at night. Cats are often afflicted with diarrhoea, and the cure for this is to keep the patient confined, and give only a very small amount of food, which should consist of boiled rice and a little boiled milk. For constipation give a teaspoonful of castor oil ; one authority advises Gar- field tea steeped strong and given in teaspoon doses. Puss has a strong love for places and does not take readily to anew home. Therefore, if it is necessary to move a pet cat, she shotild be taken into a room of the new house, close the doors and windows, and pet her and talk to her so that she feels that she is not alone. Then she should be allowed to examine the room until she becomes acquainted with it ; and her nest should be placed in the comer. Later she should be allowed to examine the entire house at her leisure, and usu.ally after a little she will settle down into her new quarters contentedly. Every cat allowed in the house must be broken to cleanliness when young. This is best done by giving kittens close attention, and putting them out of doors, or in their box with the sand tray as soon as they are seen to be sniffing around comers of the room. If the worst happens, the kitten's nose shoiild be rubbed in the urine or excrement and then it should be put out of doors. To a cat, which has a most sensitive nose, there could be no greater punishment or indignity than this. With care in putting the kitten out of doors at intervals, usually one or two repetitions of this punishment is enough. A kitten has a far better memory than has a puppy. 28 ^J KjH ^■j^H 1 HB ^^fl^^^^Hj^H BH^H h^ "" /^Hf B'l "^ "^ ^^^^IWIHH >■ ^^■^ '^ •*,^^^ ' ^1 il H '^1 ^^^^1 s H '^ ^, - ^^H 11 ^^1 HHHHH / ^I^^^^^^^^^H 11 It' Kf 1 ,.,. ^H HP%^^' ^^^^1 K>. ^H 94 ■&'' .^^- ^^ ■■ .^^H ^^^^^^1 fS^ -*■; 1 '^^Pi |Mifl HH HH^^^^H \ '**™ ^^IP^PM^^^^^^^^B^^^I I^B^^^H \* ^^^^BH^^^^^H ^^^^H .,4'':' ,*■ ^^^^H 1^1 "^l);*';^ ' y 5* '^ ^H ^^^^^ '^' ^^^H |H^H (S ^^H ^^H '^'^'''^^fe ^^^^H ■ H «|iM 1 KiJ^it fl I'hulo hy 1 nur Mnrin AN I M SIAL sll';i'-\l( iTHRK The C at Mammals CARE OF MOTHER AND KITTENS When the young are expected the mother should have a dark and quiet retreat. She should be given an open basket with a soft carpet in the bot- tom, and she should be supplied with all the milk she can drink There are usually from two to five kittens born in a litter. They are blind and helpless at first. The mother takes excellent care of her kittens, feeding them and washing them, and giving them every attention. On the tenth day after birth, the kittens open their eyes, and soon clamber out of the basket, very happy and playful. They shotdd be left with the mother from five to seven weeks, or until she tries to wean them. Sad experience awaits the kittens at this period when they try to get their accustomed dinner. Their mother growls at their approach, and cuffs their ears energetically; so at this time we should take the mother away, and teach the kittens to lap sugared milk from a saucer. A little lime water added to the milk is beneficial. Soon we should begin to feed them three or four times a day, on bread and milk, porridge, and a little finely -minced cooked meat. The food should always be lukewarm when given them. A little later, boiled rice, brown bread and oatmeal with milk, and sometimes boiled vegetables may be given. Kittens need a soft bone to gnaw to keep their teeth sharp and clean. REFERENCES American Animals, Stone and Cram. Our Domestic Animals, C. W. Burkett. \ "^ ' - ' Concerning Cats, H. M. Winslow. "How a Cat Played Robinson Crusoe," Neighbors Un- known, C. G. D. Roberts. 29 M am vial s The C at "The Slum Cat," Animal Heroes, Thompson-Seton. "The Kitten at School," The Wit of the Wild, Ernest Ingersoll. Cat Stories, Lion, Tiger and Panther Stories, retold from St. Nicholas. THE KITTEN AND THE FALLING LEAVES See the kitten on the wall, Sporting with the leaves that fall, AA^ithered leaves, one, two and three Falling from the elder tree. Through the calm and frosty air Of the morning bright and fair. See the kitten, how she starts, Crouches, stretches, paws and darts; With a tiger-leap half way Now she meets her coming prey. Lets it go as fast and then Has it in her power again. How she works with three or four, Like an Indian conjurer; Quick as he in feats of art. Gracefully she plays her part ; Yet were gazing thousands there. What would little Tabby care ? William Wordsworth. 30 THE PET HOKSK THE PONY 'HCE pony is a hero, and bred of heroes. Wherever it may have come from, or of whatever breed, its ancestors braved and conquered dangers and endured privations which wotild have killed any animal less heroic. It is prob- able, indeed, that because of the priva- tions which these horses underwent when _ in a wild or semi-wild state, their size was -z^ reduced and the races of ponies were developed. Strictly speaking, a pony is a horse, fotirteen and on.e-half hands high, or less. The finest breeds of ponies come from regions of scanty vegetation and unfavorable climate. This is true of the cold and dry climates of Russia and Scandinavia; the sterile islands of Shetland; the mountains of Wales, and northwest America, with their scanty vegetation; the heath-covered downs of Exmoor and New Forest in England; the arid wastes of the southwest United States and Mexico, and of Arabia. In all of these regions races of ponies have been developed, probably from wild herds of hardy horses. The struggle for existence under these adverse conditions was so severe a test, that all but the hardiest died from starvation. However, those which did sur- vive were so tough and strong that they were able to give to their offspring the endurance to withstand cold or heat, scanty food and scanty water. Thus it has happened that through .generation after generation of hardening, the pony of to-day is superior in many ways to the horse which has been 31 Mammals The P ony more tenderly cared for by man. The pony has better feet and legs than the horse, and is more active. Since a wild horse relies for safety upon the strength of legs and feet, and the ability to flee up mountain sides, if it happens to live in such a situation, it was necessary to the pony's existence that it be thus strong and sure. I was in a stage coach once in the Sierra mountains when we met an Indian pony, heavily packed, on a very narrow mountain road. It stopped, looked at us with intelligent eyes, then looked down the precipice that fell away from one side of the road, then up the steep bank that bordered the other side. Then with quick decision, it climbed, squirrel-like, up the bank out of our way and clinging to it like a fly to the wall waited for us to pass, and afterwards climbed careftdly down. My heart was thrilled with this daring performance, and I shall never forget it. The pony is not only stronger in body in propor- tion than the horse, but it also lives longer. There are many records showing ponies to have reached the age of thirty-eight, forty, and even forty-five years. Moreover, the pony is more intelligent than the horse. There are many more trick ponies than horses in shows, and one reason for this undoubtedly is the superior brain of the pony, which enables it to remember and to learn many things. Of all the ponies, the Shetland is the most used as a pet. If we could visit the home of the ancestors of our Shetland pony, we should have to journey to some very picturesque, rocky islands north of Scotland. In fact, they are so far north that they . would seem to belong almost to the Arctic regions; however, the climate there is changed and moderated 32 ~ ^.-' The P ony Mammals by the warmth of the Gulf Stream. The islands consist of high points of rocks, and basins lying be- tween, which have peat bottoms. Over this peat grows heather and scanty grass on which the herds of ponies feed. There are no trees and shrubs for shelter, and the ponies are never housed. They are bom, and live their lives in an open field the year round. Their only protection from the wind and storm are piles of rocks, and stone walls. Be- cause of the warm, moist atmosphere brought by the Gulf Stream into this semi- Arctic region, much rain and mist is condensed ; thus the Shetland ponies have developed their long, fine hair, to protect them from moisture. The ponies were ranging these Shetland islands before the year 872, and are supposed to have been brought from Norway in ancient times. However, ponies were found in England and Wales by Julius Caesar when he conquered the British Isles. The mustangs and bronchos of our Southwest are sup- posed to have descended from horses introduced by the Spaniards, and therefore have Spanish or Moorish ancestors. HOUSE The stable should be well ventilated, without drafts, and clean bedding of straw should be given every day. There should be a yard adjoining the stable where the pony may be let out to take exercise daily. FOOD In general, the pony shotild receive one-fourth or less of the rations given to a horse. Good, well- cured hay, and clover, are best for it. A pint of bran, 33 M am ma Is The P on y and a pint of oats may be fed twice each day for grain. About once a week a steamed bran mash may be given, and it is well to change the rations slightly by feeding two or three carrots in addition to the regular grain ration occasionally. Com meal, with the bran, may be used instead of oats, if the latter are not to be had. Com meal two parts, and one of cottonseed meal, with a small amount of wheat bran, may sometimes be given to change the feed. The pony's stomach is small, and when more food is packed into it than it naturally holds, the pony becomes podgy, and no longer travels easily or freely. A good quality of hay is excellent for keeping the stomach and bowels in order. The pony should have free access to grass as often as possible in svun- mer. CARE The pony should be fed with absolute regularity, and shotild not be used for a short time after its meal. If it is not warm, it should be watered before feeding; in the winter the water should have the chill taken off. Also in winter the frozen bit should be warmed before being placed in the pony's mouth; the tight-drawn, cruel, over-check rein shotild never be used, although a moderate check may be needed. When the pony is sweating it should be blanketed immediately if hitched putside in the cold weather, but if hitched in the bam the blanket should not be put on until the perspiration has stopped steaming. The pony should be carefully groomed, and its legs shoiild receive more attention than the body during the grooming. In driving the pony, control it more by the sound of the voice than by the whip; 31 The Pony Mammals it should have daily exercise, either in driving or in its yard; if this is impossible, then its feed should be cut down somewhat while it is idle. Its shoes should be removed and reset once a month, and renewed as often as worn out; when the pony is turned out to pasture in the winter, or for a period of several weeks in the summer, the shoes should be removed, as this helps growth which repairs damage to the hoof. It is well for the little master or mistress of the pony to learn to take care of the harness, and to learn how it goes together to fit the pony, as this will avoid many accidents. If the harness becomes muddy, or dusty, it should be brushed and sponged, and then rubbed with a cloth moistened with neats- foot oil. The patent or enameled leather ornaments should be cleaned by rubbing with a cloth moistened with tepid water, and should not be oiled. The harness must be kept free from the dirt left by sweat, as this galls the pony. THE SHETLAND PONY My Shetland Isle was bleak and cold, With rocks and stones heaped Jiigh. The heather o'er the open wold Shone purple 'neath the rainy sky There was my home ; a stiirdy foal I roamed the peat bogs far and wide. The rough rocks sheltered me from cold ; With scant grass was I satisfied. My shaggy coat kept off the rain ; My herd was gay and free from care, I ran and ran with touseled mane, — I never saw a harness there. 35 THE COLT 'ORSES have an interesting story as told by the fossils in the rocks of America; but we should not recog- nize these very ancient ancestors of our horses if we should see them, for they were not larger than sheep, and each one had four toes on the front foot and three toes on the hind foot. This first little horse with many toes lived when the earth was a damp, warm place, and when animals needed toes to spread out to enable them to walk in the mud. But as the ages passed, the earth grew colder and drier, and a long leg ending in a single hoof seemed most serviceable for running swiftly over dry places; thus it has come about that our horses of the present day walk on the nails of their middle toes, for the hoof is a toenail. In the desert of Gobi in Thibet the original stock from which our domestic horses have been bred was discovered by Col. Przhevalski. These are dun-colored ponies, with erect manes, no forelocks and with a dark stripe along the back. Very good pictures of these horses are found in the drawings made by the cave men before the dawn of history. Since the herds of wild horses made swift flights when attacked by their enemies, colts are bom with long legs so that they are able to keep up with the herd. In fact, its legs are so long that, when it grazes, the colt has to spread the front legs wide apart so as to reach the grass with its mouth. Of course as the colt grows older its neck grows longer 36 The Colt Mammals in proportion; for, an animal standing so high as a horse, is obHged to have a long neck in order to feed. HOUSE A stable well -ventilated, dry and free from draughts, should be provided for the colt in winter; and plenty of bedding should be littered over the floor. FOOD If it is necessary to raise the colt independently of the mother, give it milk as fresh from a cow as possible. Rich milk should never be given. Jersey milk is far too rich for a colt, since it needs a milk poor in fat. A half pint given to a colt two or three days old is sufficient, but it should be fed often. The milk should be prepared as follows: Take a dessertspoonful of grantdated sugar, add enough water to dissolve it, and add three tablespoonfuls of lime water, and enough milk to make a pound; warm the mixture to blood-heat, and give one-half a teacupful every hour at first. As the colt grows older it should be given more food but less fre- quently. At first it should be fed twelve times, and then nine and then six times per day, but finally it may be fed four times daily. Bean or pea gruel, boiled and then put through a sieve to remove the skins is excellent food for a young colt, as is also a jelly made from boiling meal and shorts together. When three or four weeks of age, it shotdd be en- couraged to nibble ground oats. If the colt is fed milk after it is two months old, it should be gi^^en skimmed milk. A ration of sweet skimmed milk, grotind oats and meal is excellent food for a growing colt. Later, grain, ground oats, and in cold weather 37 Alavimals The Colt one-fourth the rations weight of com meal, and a half pint of oil meal per day should be given. CARE Never feed sour milk, and always feed the milk from vessels that have been scalded every day. If the colt scours, two ounces of castor oil may be given, and one feeding period skipped. If there is any trouble with constipation, give half a pint of oil meal per day in the food. The colt should be handled properly from the first, and should be taught obedience from the beginning, if it is to be a useful horse. It should never be frightened or teased. It should be taught early the use of the halter, first to lead and then to drive; and should early be made to "stand-over," and to have all its feet lifted successively and held for a time. If you need to catch the colt and lift it do not catch it around the neck, but put one arm under its neck and the other under its hams, i.e., lift it at both ends at once. A colt caught in this way will not be frightened, as when caught by the head. Always be gentle, firm and patient when dealing with your colt. REFERENCES The Horse, /. P. Roberts. Outdoor Work, M. R. Miller. Domesticated Animals, N. S. Shaler. Our Domestic Animals, C. W. Burgess. Manual op Farm Animals, M. W. Harper. Elements of Agriculture, Warren. Black Beauty, Sewell. "Kaweah's Run," by Clarence King — CLA^vs and Hoofs, Johonnot. John Brent, Theodore Winthrop. Handbook of Nature-Study, A. B. Comstock. 38 I'holo by \'enie Morion THE pI':t colt THE DONKEY fJOW interesting it woiild be if we could see the ancestors of our pet donkey for six thousand years back, all standing in a row, with a picture behind each showing in what country it had lived, and what sort of master it had had, and what sort of work it did. It might require years to take in such a show, and probably the ancestor at the far end of the line would be found to be a wild, fleet animal of north- eastern Africa, — maybe one of a herd feeding on an oasis in the Sahara, or grazing on the scanty vegeta- tion of desert mountains. From this wild African species our donkeys of today are supposed to have originated. However, there are wild species found in Persia and Syria, and one in Thibet, and one in northwestern India, and perhaps our especial donke^^ may have come from some of these. To this day, herds of wild asses roam Persia and Armenia as they did in the times of Abraham, or when Xenophon described them four hundred years B. C. These wild creatures can run so swiftly that Nadir Shah, who lived two hundred years ago, considered that running down one of these wild creatures with grey- hounds was equal in effort to winning a battle, or conquering a province. Its flesh was regarded as superior to the best venison, and its hide was made into ornamental shagreen and other valuable leather entirely waterproof. There are pictures of donkeys in the tombs of ancient Thebes, which are excellent likenesses of 39 Mammals The Donkey the little animals that today bear the burdens for the farmers along the Nile. George Washington introduced donkeys to the agriculturists of the United States. Spain had long been in the lead in breeding these animals; and to export one from that country was prohibited. But the King of Spain, learning of Washington's desire, sent him two as a present. The donkey is used extensively today in the southwestern United States and Mexico, where its strength and endurance as a beast cf burden make it most useful. It is there called a burro. Donkeys are used extensively in southern Europe, North Africa, and Asia Minor. The best breeds are now found in Smyrna, the Is- lands of Cypress, Spain and Peru. The donkey is able to thrive upon food which would starve a horse. It can subsist on one-fourth the food necessary to keep a horse, and it can carry- burdens on its back for long distances which would break down a horse; and it carries these burdens over steep mountains, and roads where a horse wotdd stumble and fall. Its hoof is longer and nar- rower, and more upright than that of the horse; and the joint above it, called the pastern, is shorter and stiffer, which renders its feet less likely to become lame; and since the hoof is thicker and therefore tougher than that of the horse, it is able to climb mountains ctnd rocky trails which would tear and bruise the horse's feet. The donkey is a friend of the poor man, because it can pick up a living at little expense. When treated well, it is as affectionate as a dog. The mother donkey is exceedingly fond of her colt. The noted obstinacy of the animal comes probably from long generations of cruel treatment. It is 40 The Donkey Mammals an assertion of the creature's natural strength and dignity which have not been crushed out through thousands of years of abuse. For defense, the donkey can both bite and kick. As a kicker it is most efficient, for it can bear its weight upon its front feet and kick with both hind legs, aiming just where each hoof shall strike with wonderful accuracy and precision. The color of the donkey shotild be a mouse gray, with a dark line along the back bone, and a dark transverse bar across the shoulders. For housing and feeding the donkey, follow the directions given for caring for the pony. It should be kept warmer than the pony in winter, for it suffers much with cold in our northern climate. REFERENCE Our Domestic Animals, Burkett. THE DONKEY An Ass is what they called me in ancient days, long gone ; But Donkey or Burro is my present given name; In German I am A-zel, in France I am an Ahn, In Egypt, a Homar bedecked with beads and fame ; In Italian I'm Aseeno or little Aseenello — In every land they load and whack me just the same. But everybody knows I am a patient fellow, Although sometimes I will not budge, because I am so game. 41 THE CALF . HE CALF with its playful ways makes an attractive pet. When it is first bom it is not very steady on its legs, and in a state of wildness it is hidden by its mother until it becomes strong enough to follow with the herd. It is very obedient to its mother's training, and will remain as still as if frozen unless actually attacked. The hiding of the calf by its wild mother was a necessity, since she was obliged to go far afield to graze and get the food to be changed into milk for the nourishment of her offspring; and, since she was obliged to be absent for some time, while grazing, the calf was obliged to go without nour- ishment for some hours; this is made possible by the large compound stomach of the calf, which if filled twice per day affords sufficient nourishment. Related to this large stomach of the calf, is the large udder of the cow, which holds enough milk to fill it ; and thus she has become usef lol to us as a milch animal. HOUSE For its winter home the calf needs a well-bedded stall in a barn or closed shed, with windows and doors sufficient for light and ventilation. The shed should be built on a dry, well-drained foundation, and the ventilation should be free from draughts. It should have fresh bedding every day or so, and its stable should be kept clean. For a summer home there may be a shed to give shelter from rain and the mid-day sun in the corner of a grassy field or pasture. 42 Pholo by ]'fnif ilml. A PEKI-liCT UNDEKsTAXDIM •v i ^- The Calf Mammals FOOD The first food the young calf should have is the mother's milk, as this is necessary to cleanse its diges- tive system. If for some reason this is impossible, one or two ounces of castor oil should be given before the calf is fed ; if the calf is to be fed by the mother cow, it should have notirishment three times a day until three weeks old. But if hand-raised, it should be fed on warm, sweet milk three times a day. The first few days this shotdd be whole milk, but it may be changed gradually to skimmed milk; the feed- ing periods shotdd be regtdar. During the first week, from six to eight pounds of milk per day should be given, and a pound should be added to this daily ration every week with the advance in age of the calf until the food is changed. When about four weeks old the calf should be given skimmed milk altogether. The change should be made gradually; and the amount given should be increased to ten quarts daily, but not more. When it is two or three weeks old begin to teach the calf to eat a little grain. Place a handful in the pail after it has finished drinking the milk. After it has learned to eat grain, it should be given a feed box, and when it is six weeks old it should be able to take daily one pound of the following mixture : 3 parts corn meal 3 parts ground oats 3 parts wheat bran I part linseed meal The calf should also be taught to take hay with the grain. Let it nibble at sweet alfalfa or common clover hay. After the first or second months, allow it to have access to cool, clear water. 43 Mammals The Calf CARE If strong and healthy, the calf needs fresh air and exercise, so there should be a large yard adjoining its stable in which it can run about. Its manger should be kept clean, and the pail from which it is fed shotdd be scalded every day. It is much easier to teach a calf to eat if it is not allowed to take its food from its mother after the first meal. If it is troubled with looseness of the bowels, less food should be given for a day or two. If troubled with lice, crude petroleum should be rubbed along the backbone, and underneath just where the legs join the body. To remove the horns of the young calf: As soon as the young horn can be felt by the hand, it should be removed ; the hair should be clipped from around it, then take a stick of potash, carefully wrapped, so that it will not bum the fingers, dip in water and rub it upon the tip of the young horn until the skin begins to loosen and becomes red. Be very care- ful not to touch the skin surrounding the horn with the potash. This need not be applied but once. REFERENCES Outdoor Work, M. R. Miller. ]\Ianual of Farm Animals, Harper. Elements of Agriculture, G. Warren. Handbook of Nature-Study, A. B. Comstock. 44 Courtesy of Doiibleday . Pa. < THE FAWN [ERCILESS in the past has been the slaughter of deer by our hunters and it seems quite miraculous that we still have in |i|)t^j North America in our wildernesses and forest preserves, three native species of deer. The moose is the largest ; it has a short neck, and its food is largely twigs of trees and bushes; the caribou lives on the cold, dry plains of British America and is the reindeer of America, although it has never been domesticated. But the most com- mon of the three species is the Virginian deer, which once dwelt everywhere in our forests, and still breeds in our forest preserves in abundance. This is the deer which we are most likely to have as pets, although the fallow deer of Europe has been introduced into America as a park pet. Our Virginia deer, also called the white-tailed, has a coat that is khaki colored, as is shown by the numbers of hunters in khaki coats which are shot by mistake each year during the hunting season. The underparts of the animal are white, and the fawns are spotted with white. The little fawn needs to remain hidden while the mother feeds, and its spotted coat looks like the ground flecked with stm- shine, and so it is protected from the sight of its enemies. While the large, liquid eyes of the deer are fairly keen, yet these animals trust to their sense of smell and hearing to give them warning of their enemies, from whom they escape by flight. They are rapid runners, and tremendous jtunpers and excellent swimmers. The farmers whose lands ad- 45 AI animals The Fawn join OUT forests preserves cannot protect their crops with fences of ordinary height from visits of this deer. The stags when hard-pushed are desperate fighters. However, their great antlers are used chiefly in fighting rivals when competing for does. The growth of the stag's antlers is one of the most remarkable occurrences in animal physiology. The antlers are shed each year, and grow anew in some- thing less than three months. They are at first covered with the "velvet," which is a skin supplied with blood-vessels to carry nourishment to the grow- ing tissue. As the antlers complete their growth, the blood supply to the velvet is checked, and the velvet withers and ravels off. Stags are very shy during the period when their antlers are growing, for they are helpless if attacked, since their new antlers are extremely sensitive and tender. HOUSE AND RANGE If deer are kept in a park, a dry, well-drained shelter-shed, kept well-bedded, will prove sufficient. There should be plenty of fresh clean water in the park or enclosure, so that the deer may bathe as well as drink. A large park is needed if a herd of both sexes are kept together. If the park is small, one stag with several does will thrive in it ; but close quarters often leads the stags to fight each other, they are especially quarrelsome at the beginning of autumn. FOOD In a park the deer find the grass and foliage suffici- ent food ; in addition they need a slab of rock salt to lick, and dry, clean, large bones to chew, if the shed antlers are taken away. In winter hay, oats, apples, 46 The Fawn Mammals turnips, beets, potatoes, carrots, cabbage, or prun- ings from the orchard can be given to supplement browsing. CARE OF THE FAWN Usually two fawns are born at a time in late spring, in some sheltered thicket. For a few days the fawn simply lies close and quiet, and is fed by the mother, and does not stir unless she gives the signal. There is the closest possible relation between the mother doe and her young. It is only when taken very young that a fawn makes an attractive pet. It soon learns to know who feeds it, and will follow its little master or mistress around with devotion. It is also playful and very amusing. In general, it should have the treatment and food given the calf. Although the fawn when young is attractive as a pet, it does not remain so. Before it is half grown it is likely to have become dangerous ; in fact, Dr. Hornaday, who has had extensive experience with deer of all kinds, regards them as too dangerous to be used as pets. REFERENCES American Animals, Stone and Cram. The Life of Animals, Ernest Ingersoll. The Deer Family, T. Roosevelt. "TheRingwaakBuck," in The Haunters of the Silences, C. G. D. Roberts. "Following the Deer," in Secrets of the Woods, and "What Fawns Must Know," in The School of the Woods, W. J. Long. Wild Animals Every Child Should Know, Julia E. Rogers. 47 THE COSSET LAMB lHIS playful little creature makes a delightful comrade, and becomes very much attached to its boy and girl play- mates. As a matter of fact, the older lambs have games which they play con- stantly by themselves. One is a true game of "FoUow-my-leader." Each lamb runs as fast as it can, pushing ahead to attain the place of leader; when it succeeds, it leads its followers a hard chase over most difficult places, across streams, over stone piles, and logs, or any other obstacles it may find. This game is of great use to the lambs that belong to the wild flocks; because, when sheep are attacked by wolves or other creatures, the leader, who is a wise old sheep, leads the flock over streams and chasms and rocks in a flight which leaves the enemy behind because of the diffi- culties of the trail. The other game which lambs play is peculiar to stony districts. The lamb climbs to the top of a boulder, and its comrades gather around and try to butt it off. The one who succeeds in doing this climbs the rock and is "it," and strives hard to keep its position. This kind of training would enable a sheep to climb to a difficult position and protect itself against an enemy trying to reach it from be- low. A pet lamb of ours had a game which consisted in jumping across thresholds. It wotild run from room to room and at the thresholds would leap high in the air, as if it were jiimping a fence or rock. The lamb's long legs serve to enable it to follow its 48 THE COSSET LAMB lHIS playftil little creature makes a delightftil comrade, and becomes very much attached to its boy and girl play- mates. As a raatter of fact, the older lambs have games which they play con- stantly by themselves. One is a true game of " FoUow-my -leader. " Each lamb runs as fast as it can, pushing ahead to attain the place of leader; when it succeeds, it leads its followers a hard chase over most difficult places, across streams, over stone piles, and logs, or any other obstacles it may find. This game is of great use to the lambs that belong to the wild flocks; because, when sheep are attacked by wolves or other creatures, the leader, who is a wise old sheep, leads the flock over streams and chasms and rocks in a flight which leaves the enemy behind because of the diffi- culties of the trail. The other game which lambs play is peculiar to stony districts. The lamb climbs to the top of a boulder, and its comrades gather around and try to butt it off. The one who succeeds in doing this climbs the rock and is "it," and strives hard to keep its position. This kind of training would enable a sheep to climb to a difficult position and protect itself against an enemy trying to reach it from be- low. A pet lamb of ours had a game which consisted in jumping across thresholds. It would run from room to room and at the thresholds would leap high in the air, as if it were jiimping a fence or rock. The lamb's long legs serve to enable it to follow its 48 THE COSSET LAMB lHIS playful little creature makes a delightful comrade, and becomes very m,uch attached to its boy and girl play- mates. As a matter of fact, the older lambs have games which they play con- stantly by themselves . One is a true game of "FoUow-my -leader." Each lamb runs as fast as it can, pushing ahead to attain the place of leader; when it succeeds, it leads its followers a hard chase over most difficult places, across streams, over stone piles, and logs, or any other obstacles it may find. This game is of great use to the lambs that belong to the wild flocks; because, when sheep are attacked by wolves or other creatures, the leader, who is a wise old sheep, leads the flock over streams and chasms and rocks in a flight which leaves the enemy behind because of the diffi- culties of the trail. The other game which lambs play is peculiar to stony districts. The lamb climbs to the top of a boulder, and its comrades gather around and try to butt it off. The one who succeeds in doing this climbs the rock and is "it," and strives hard to keep its position. This kind of training would enable a sheep to climb to a difficult position and protect itself against an enemy trying to reach it from be- low. A pet lamb of ours had a game which consisted in jumping across thresholds. It would run from room to room and at the thresholds would leap high in the air, as if it were jumping a fence or rock. The lamb's long legs serve to enable it to follow its 48 The Cosset Lamb Af animals mother when it is only a few hours old. A sheep shows anger by stamping on the ground with its front feet, but its weapon of defense is its hard head armed with horns. HOUSE The lamb is a timid little animal and easily fright- ened, and cannot be kept in a dark, poorly ventilated bam or shed, neither can it endure rain or cold. It should have a clean, dry, well-ventilated, sun- lighted place to sleep in. A stall in the bam does very well, or a shed may be built for it. If a lamb is not allowed to run about the premises, it should have an open yard in which to take its exercise ; and in the summer it shoiild be given shade. Straw bedding, changed often, should make the sleeping place comfortable, FOOD Young lambs are very delicate, and if one must be raised by hand it must be fed from a bottle with a rubber nipple. Modified cow's milk, heated to 103° F. shoiild be given in small amounts but often. At the age of ten days or two weeks the lamb will begin to eat a little grain ; this should be given twice daily, but care should be taken not to give any more than is eaten. After the lamb has learned to eat grain, feed the following ration: 5 parts of cracked com . 5 parts of wheat bran I part of oil meal, coarsely ground When beginning to give full feed, the grain shoiild be given sparingly, and hay liberally. At the 49 Mammals The Cosset Lamb beginning, feed one-fourth pound of grain daily, and gradually increase this to one pound. An older lamb may be fed com silage or beets and other roots. REFERENCES "Flocks and Herds," in Domesticated Animals, A''. Y. Shaler. Outdoor Work, M. R. Miller. Life of Animals, Ernest Ingersoll. Our Domestic Animals, C. W. Burkett. The Flock, Mary Austin. On the grass}'' banks Lambkins at their pranks ; Woolly sisters, woolly brothers Jumping o£E their feet While their woolly mothers Watch by them and bleat. Christina Rossetti. A frisky lamb And a frisky child Playing their pranks In a cowslip meadow . The sky all blue And the air all mild And the fields all sun And the lanes half shadow. Christina Rossetti. 50 From Country Lije in America "drink, pretty creature, drink' I'hul,, by Vau,- Mnrl. lAKIM. A DKIV THE GOAT E CAN never really become acquainted with the goat until we see it in its native mountains. The steeper and rougher the mountains the better for the goat, for its muscles are like steel springs, and it leaps up and down steep places, getting a foothold on narrow ledges, and seems to enjoy looking down from dizzy heights. If we think for a moment, we can easily tinder- stand this development of agility on the part of this animal. In all wild places there are even today animals of prey which feed upon small mammals of sweet flesh, like the goat and sheep. So it is much to the advantage of the goat to be able to seek safety in the rocky fastnesses of mountains where, if followed by wolf or panther, it can escape b3^ leaping across chasms, or find refuge on some shelf of rock where the enemy cannot follow. As a natural result of this, the wild goat through the ages has been obliged to live upon the scanty verdure of the rocks, and to be able to derive nourishment from moss and bark, and even from those poisonous herbs like the hemlock that Socrates drank as a death potion. So we need not be surprised when we see goats eat posters, newspapers, or old clothing. It is a part of their nature to try anything in their reach, on th3 chance that it may prove a nourishing morsel. Nor need we wonder if we see our goats climbing to the roofs of sheds, or walking along the top rail of a fence, or if they are able to walk a tight-rope SI Mammals The Goat in the show. It is most unnatural for a goat to stay upon the flat ground; also it is never dizzy, and is perfectly sure of its footing in hazardous situations. Goats are sagacious animals, and a few are often kept with the great droves of sheep on our western ranches. The goat's office in a flock of sheep is that of leader, and the sheep have perfect confidence in him in this respect. For instance, a goat will lead a herd of sheep across a single log above a mountain torrent with perfect safety. If the herd is attacked by wolves or other enemies, the goat will give warning by its cries, while sheep are always silent rmder such an attack. Perhaps none of our domestic animals have been so widely useful to man the world over as the goat. When man was a Nomad he took with him in his wanderings his herd of goats. He drank their milk, ate their flesh, wove their hair into clothing, made garments of their pelts, and used their skins for bags in which to carry a supply of water. These goat-skin waterbags are often seen in Mohammedan cormtries about the Mediterranean at the present day. Indeed, in the Orient, all these uses of the goat mentioned above continue at present. Even in cities of Southern Europe herds of goats are driven along the streets to be milked at the doors of cus- tomers. A common sight in Naples is a goat climb- ing two or three flights of stairs in a tenement, so as to reach the door of her patron. Many countries have developed their special breeds of goats. The Swiss farmers have found this animal especially adapted to the mountainous pastures ; and in some isolated valleys, encompassed by mountains, like the Saane and Toggenburg valleys, there have been developed breeds of goats 52 The G at Mammals which have won world-wide reputations. In Asia Minor the long-haired Angora goat has been devel- oped ; and in Cashmere has been bred the long-haired goat whose fleece is used for the making of the famous Cashmere shawls. In America we have a native wild goat, although it is more nearly related to the antelope than to the goat family; it lives in the Rocky Mountains and the Cascade ranges. It has white shaggy hair, and black feet, eyes and nose, and slender but efficient black horns. There have been some very exciting stories written and told about the adventures of hunters when pursuing this animal. "As playful as a kid", is a common expression, and is founded upon observation. The only way for the kid to develop its steel-spring muscles for maturity, is to keep in constant activity when young. In fact a kid goes into training very shortly after it is bom. HOME The winter home of the goat needs to be warm and light, and be funished with a plentiful supply of dry bedding. It should be cleaned often, so that it will be dry and fresh, otherwise it becomes bad smelling. The goat, of all the animals, must have plenty of fresh air and exercise, so the year round it should have access to a yard or field where it can browse and roam about. During the summer it does not need to be housed. The fence about the pastures should be well-made, and with no boards leaning up against it, for the goat can walk up a leaning board and jump over a fence quite as easily as a boy. 53 JM avimals The Goat FOOD The goat is not dainty about its food, and eats what other animals refuse. However, it thrives better on good food, such as corn fodder, cowpea, clover hay and alfalfa. Oats, com and bran are valuable as winter food. The goat likes more salt than do sheep and must have a plentiful supply of water at all times. If the goat is housed in the winter, give it twigs of hazel, box-elder, or maple to browse upon for enter- tainment. CARE The goat should never be teased. This spoils its temper, as well as its attractiveness. If it is an An- gora goat, it should be combed and washed about twice a month during the summer. All goats like to be caressed. If treated kindly, bucks will learn to draw their boy-masters in a carriage or cart. Bu.t if teased, they often refuse to work, and will die sooner than yield. CARE OF THE KID A kid of a milch goat should be separated from the mother soon, and fed from a nursery bottle. It should be weaned gradually. The Angora kid should be weaned when four months old. The kids especially need plenty of fresh air, a field for play and exercise, and a dry, comfortable place in which to rest. REFERENCES Outdoor Work, M. R. Miller. Our Domestic Animals, C. W. Burkett. Flocks and Herds, in Domesticated Animals, A''. 5. Shaler. American Animals, Stone and Cram. "The Angora Goat," Farmer's Bulletin No. 137, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture. 54 THE PIG "A nice little pig with a querly tail, All soft as satin and pinky pale, Is a very different thing by far, Than the lumps of iniquity big pigs are." """■'■""■ HE change noted in this rhyme between the httle pig and the big one is not altogether U^^ the pig's fault, but rather because of the poor care given him by ignorant people who make him a creature of filth. A little pig makes a charming pet. It is pretty and neat and very intelligent. It will soon know the little master or mistress who feeds it, and will follow those it loves like a devoted dog. It is sufficiently clever so that it may be taught many tricks, and will repay patient training. One of the most interesting- things about a pig is its nose; this fleshy disk surrounding the nostrils is a most sensitive organ of feeling. By its use a pig can select com from chaff; at the same time it is so strong that with it the ground may be rooted up in search for food. A pig's sense of smell is as keen as that of a dog, and there are many instances on record of a pig being trained as a pointer for hunting birds ; it shows a keener intelligence in this capacity than do dogs. In France, pigs are taught to hunt for truffles, which are edible fungi growing upon tree roots far below the surface of the ground. Though the pig 's eyes are small, they gleam with intelligence. Pigs are often trained for shows, by teaching them how to pick out cards and count, and many other intelligent tricks . When the pig is allowed 55 M aiiDu als The Pig to roam in the woods, it lives on roots, nuts and forage, being especially fond of, acorns and beech- nuts; and it has a remarkable record for destroying rattlesnakes. The pig has quite an extended lan- guage which its little master will become interested in studying. There is the constant grunting which keeps the herd of swine together; there is the squeal of anger and discontent; the satisfied grunt of enjoy- ment of food, the squeal of terror, and a nasal growl of defiance, and many more vocal expressions. FOOD FOR THE LITTLE PIG The pet pig is usually one that has in some way be- come separated from the litter, and must be brought up by hand. It should be given at first a very small quantity of cow's milk, which is luke-warm; this may be given from a nursing bottle with a rubber nipple, exactly as if prepared for a child; it should be fed every two hours, for three or four days, and after that, every three hours; if it grows and is vig- orous, it may be fed every four hoirrs; and finally it should be fed ioxu: times a day. When about three weeks of age it may be fed three times daily, bu.t the milk must be sweet, and the trough or basin in which it is fed must be kept clean, or digestive disorders will follow. Occasionally the milk may be replaced with bran or shorts made into a gruel; later, grain soaked for twenty-four hours may be fed. As it grows old- er, it should have plenty of green food, which may be in the form of roots of all kinds, clover or other accept- able forage. The pig is a thirsty animal, and should have access to clear water; when young cold water, especially in winter, should not be given to it. 56 The Pig Mammals HOUSE It is well to have a little portable pen for a pet pig. This may be made of boards shaped like an A tent. If the ground is dry it does not need a floor. There should be a ventilator at the top of the pen that is protected from the rain ; this may be gained by plac- ing a window near the peak on each side. A door about two feet wide should be put in one side opening into a yard fenced with chicken wire. The bottom of the pen must be arranged so that it can be kept clean and dry; if the ground is wet, it should have a floor. The house should be tight and warm in the winter, and cool and well- ventilated in the summer. CARE Plenty of fresh bedding shotdd be given to the pig ; this may be of straw or shavings. The bed should be separated by a board from the remainder of the pen, since the pig is a very neat animal in its habits and will not make its own bed foul. The floor should slope away from the bed. Plenty of fresh water should be given, and some shade should be provided in the summer. The pen should be cleaned every day. If it is possible, it is best for a pet pig to be allowed free range of the premises, for only thus when he is given the full companionship which we usually give to a dog, will the pig develop his full intelligence and charm as a pet. REFERENCES Outdoor Work, M. R. Miller. Elementary Agriculture, Warren. Our Domestic Animals, Burkett. Lives of Animals, Ingersoll. Camera Adventures in African Wilds, Dugmore. Handbook of Nature-Study, A. B. Comstock. 57 MONKEYS /M ANY of us are tempted to look upon the ^ ^ monkey as a little man ; it so much re- sembles human beings in form and action that we endow it with human attributes. I However, the dog is often mentally and morally much more like us than is the monkey. The monkey, in a natural state, lives in the trees of the tropics, and only comes to the ground when necessary. Its long, strong hands and feet are made for grappling branches, and the muscles of the legs and arms are fitted to sustain the body of the animal as it swings from one branch to another. Some species in South America have the tail developed to seize hold of branches and help in tree travel. It is not natural for a monkey to walk upright, and it is cruel to force it into this position. It is quite impos- sible for the monkey to carry the head upright, because of the way it is joined to the body; the monkey naturally walks on "all foLirs." Thus, as we watch the antics of this fascinating pet we must always think of the monkey as a dweller in trees, and we should give it as much of its natural surroundings as possible. We shotdd read all the nature books and travel books that deal with the forests of .the tropics, and thus learn how monkeys live when at home. Kipling's Jungle Stories tell us much of interest that is true. Monkeys are very imitative, and are certainly not without the power of reasoning. For instance: A Professor of Physiology in the Cornell Medical Col- 58 Monkeys Mammals lege, in making some experiments upon the vitality of the body, wished to keep the monkey upon which he was experimenting awake all night to see how this would affect his physical condition; so an alarm clock was set to ring at frequent intervals during the night. In the morning the professor found the monkey fast asleep, and the alarm clock standing on its head in a pail of water. The most common monkeys in captivity are the Bunder or Rhesus of India, and the Capuchins of South America; both of these are used by organ grinders; both are intelligent, and become very devoted to their masters. The Rhesus is the most common monkey in India; it has a short tail, and yellowish brown fur, and the old males are very dis- agreeable and dangerous pets. The Capuchins have their hair done pompadour, and have long, strong tails with which they climb. A Capuchin likes to hang by the tail from a branch of some very high tree, stretch out its arms and legs to keep its balance, and then drop, perhaps thirty feet, accurately seizing with its tail another branch as it lands. It is very fond of oranges, bananas and sweets. It makes a most interesting pet, although the males as they grow old develop disagreeable dispositions. In fact, it is more desirable to select a female of any species of monkey as a pet, as she is more amiable and affectionate than her mate. However, the monkeys are a sociable folk, and enjoy themselves much better if given com- panions of their own species. HOUSE The indoor cage for the monkey should be as large as possible to allow the active animal plenty of oppor- 59 Mammals Monkeys tunity for exercise. The perches shotild be made of stout branches ; the floor should be well-covered with straw, or sawdust, which should be renewed fre- quently. At the top of the cage there should be a sleeping box, which can be removed to be cleaned. The cage should be kept in an even temperature of about 75° F. An out-of-door home can be given the monkey in our warm southern climate, and in the summer in the north. The house should be at least six feet square, and be placed in a well-sheltered position, and the floor should be raised above the ground. There should be connected with the house an outside run covered with netting. In both house and run there should be strong perches, and the whole establish- ment should be thoroughly cleaned often. In placing the monkey out of doors it is often more desirable not to cage him at all, as he is so restless and active; in that case his range may be limited by fastening him to some object with a light chain, so that he can be moved from place to place occasionally. Wherever his home is, the pet should be warm and comfortable. He shotild have plenty of covering, and be kept free from any dampness. He shotild also be kept clean, FOOD The monkey is fond of most of the food which we eat, but should be given little animal food. The following is recommended: Boiled rice or tapioca, baked or boiled potatoes, ripe bananas and ripe sweet apple, stale bread, occasionally a small raw onion and at all times plenty of raw carrots, as this vegetable has a very excellent effect upon the digestive system. Whole peanuts roasted may be given occasionally, 60 Monkeys Mammals and also a half of an orange, and ripe grapes. Mon- keys should be fed twice a day, in the early morning and at noon. In the morning bread should be given, and at noon bananas or other fruit. Change of food from day to day helps keep the appetite good, but bread shoiild always be given for breakfast. To the Ringtail monkey give whole peanuts roasted, half an orange, grapes, and a little sweet apple and boiled potatoes, lettuce or carrots, and bread. Occasionally, give egg and condensed milk beaten together, and a little lime water added now and then. Water should be given frequently. Monkeys of different species eat different kinds of food in their wild condition; and we should read all that we can find concerning the species we have for a pet, so as to feed and treat it intelligently. Mr. Ferdinand Engeholm of the New York Zoolog- ical Gardens who kindly gave me the above dietary for monkeys especially recommends that the individ- ual tastes of the pet be studied and that a frequent change of food be offered. CARE Monkeys shotild never be kept in a temperature below 70°, because they are animals of the tropics, and cold and dampness bring on rheumatism and tuberctilosis. They must be kept in a place entirely protected from draughts; if kept in cages, they shoiild be large, at least four feet square, for the common Ringtail. To protect from draughts it is well to have the cage of wood on three sides, with tight floor and with the front side wired. Plenty of straw should be given for bedding. Mr. Engeholm advises the following simple rem- edies when needed: To prevent constipation one- 61 Mammals Monkeys half a teaspoonful of olive oil should be given twice a week. If the monkey is afflicted with diarrhoea, it should be given a mixture made by beating a white of egg with a little sugar, and adding a small amount of blackberry brandy. A monkey given the proper care is washed and combed often, properly fed at regular intervals, never teased, and should be allowed as much liberty as possible. It is very sensitive, and responds readily to kindness like the dog. It resents being laughed at, but a kind master is soon regarded as a real friend from whom it dislikes to be separated. Monkeys have many diseases, some of them inci- dent upon the change of climate; and because this creature is so nearly like us in form, it should, when ill, be attended by a regular physician, and treated like a sick child. THE MONKEY Look now at his odd grimaces, Saw you e'er such comic faces? Now Hke learned judge sedate, Now with nonsense in his pate. Ha! he is not half asleep. See, he slyly takes a peep ! Monkey, though your eyes are shut, You could see this little nut. There, the little ancient man Cracks as fast as e'er he can ; NoAv, good-bye, you funny fellow, Nature's primest Punchinello ! Mary Howitt. 62 THE MAM] 'SET *HE beautiful little marmosets have their native home in Gui- ana and Brazil. They have long and exquisitely ■ soft fur, striped with black on white or reddish yel- low. The tail is long and full, and ringed with black. On each side of the face, just beneath the ears, is a large fan-like tuft of white hairs, giving the appear- ance- of a pectdiar headdress. Marmosets are beautiful and gentle, but they suffer severely from cold in our climate ; they become very much attached to their masters if they are kind- ly treated. A pet marmoset loves to sit on its mas- ter 's hand with its little paws clinging to his fingers, and with tail curled about his wrist ; and if chilly, it will hide beneath his coat, and cuddle up to his warm body. It is particularly fond of catching flies and eating them, and also considers cockroaches delicate morsels. A full-grown marmoset has a body from seven or eight inches long, and a tail a foot in length. FOOD Bananas, raw carrots, boiled potatoes, shelled peanuts, almost all kinds of fruit, Malaga grapes cut in half, meal worms and sweet crackers are all in the marmoset dietary. Once a day egg and milk mixed as if for egg-nog should be given ; bread may be soak- ed in this raixture and condensed milk should be used. 63 T h e Marmoset Ma ni nials CARE The cage should be provided with branches for the little creature to climb around upon, and should be large enough to allow it plenty of exercise. It must have a nest box, with plenty of warm bedding. One marmoset which we saw had a little wool com- fortable for its box, and it was interesting to see it get underneath this and pull it up over its shoulders and head in a truly human way. REFERENCES The Life op Animals, Ernest Ingersoll. Apes and Monkeys, R. L. Gamer. Explorations and Adventures in Equatorial South Africa and Gorilla Land. Paul du Chaillu. "The Song in the Night," and "The Trail up the Wind," Under the Roof of the Jungle, C. L. Bull. "Kaas Hunting," The First Jungle Book, Kipling. THE MARMOSET I am a little marmoset ! My whiskers make a white-rosette On either side my face. My longish tail with rings is set ni twist it round your wrist, if let. To hold me fimi in place. Bring all the insects you can get ; Bring also a warm coverlet. And I will be your loA^ng pet For many happy days. 64 RABBITS AND HARES WASHING UP. #% /^NE winter evening quite late ML.'.. .; ■-, ^^^ as we chanced to stop beside ^ ■ a spruce tree to look at the stars, we were startled by Thump ! Thtimp ! Thump ! something striking the ground hard under the spruce. We listened; again it came im- periously, then we started to investigate, when Molly Cottontail, or probably her husband, came out from under the spruce and loped off over the snow. It was a thump of defiance we had heard, because we ventured too near the cover of this little creature. This same sound is used for warning when several are playing together and one perceives the enemy. Even more interesting than the domestic rabbits are these little wild cottontails. In mowing our orchard one day we found a Molly Cottontail's nest, it was under a raspberry bush, and at first sight seemed lined with felt of fur and grass; but to our amaze- ment we found this felt carpet was a coverlet for four young cottontails, which promptly fied helter- skelter in the grass; for they seemed to know when their cover was off that they were in plain sight of the enemy; and we said "What a wise little mother, to tuck in her youngesters so safely when she was obliged to leave them." The cottontails are very well fitted for the life they lead. They are grey in color, which renders them almost invisible. They have long ears, which 65 M ammals Rabbits and Hares are very sensitive, and hear the least noise at a long distance. The eyes are keen and placed on the bulg- ing part of the head, so as to see in all directions. The nose is sensitive, and is always moving to pick up stray smells ; and above all, the hind legs are long and strong, and enable these creatures to flee from danger with great rapidity and ease. The cottontails like briar patches, and fields partly covered with brush, and partly with grass. They make runways through such places by cutting awa}' the small stems and grasses. A runway is usually about five inches wide, and just high enough so the hare can flee through. These roads cross and criss- cross each other, and if a dog or fox is chasing the hare, there is little chance for it to follow in these intricate cross roads. The cottontails find the night safest for feeding and wandering and playing. They play' amusing games among themselves, — something like tag, and leap-frog. In America we have no species of true rabbits, al- though we caU them by that name. Instead, they are hares. The difference between a rabbit and a hare is not very great structurally, although the rab- bit is not so adept in running or jiomping as the hare. The chief difference between the two lies in their habits. The rabbits are burrowing, animals, while the hares live in "forms", which are nests on the sur- face of the ground, consisting of grass, beaten down or eaten out for a space large enough to accommodate the animal; the form is made in a protected situa- tion, under a bush or tree. Hares rarely nest in holes, but sometimes, when hard pressed by dogs, they take refuge in a woodchuck burrow. Hares and rabbits are not without means of de- fense. Either can fight an enemy by leaping over 66 Rabbits and Hares Mammals it and kicking it savagely with its strong hind-feet. They can also bite, and the bucks sometimes injure each other in this manner. There is one record, at least, of a Belgian hare that butted cats like a billy- goat, until all the cats in the neighborhood were afraid of her. VARIETIES OF RABBITS All our many breeds of domesticated rabbits are supposed to have descended from a species that still abounds in the regions of the Mediterranean Sea. With the exception of the dog, the rabbit has been bred by man to greater variations than has any other mammal. The most noted breeds are the following: The Lop-eared is an English breed; for at least one hundred and fifty years careftil attention has been given to developing the ears of this rabbit, until they have been known to measure twenty-three inches in length, and six inches in width. These rab- bits show great variety in color. The Belgian hare is really a rabbit. It has been developed especially for size, and has been used ex- tensively for food in Europe. The Angora rabbit has fine, long fur; sometimes its hair is six or seven inches long, and much atten- tion must be given to combing it in order to keep it decent. The most prized Angoras are albinos. The Himalayan rabbit is white, with nose, ears, tail and feet black, or very dark. It is a very pretty animal, and is bred for beauty in Europe. It has no connection whatever with the Himalayan Moun- tains. The Dutch rabbits are small, sweet-tempered, and handsomely colored. The cheeks, eyes and the en- tire body back of the shoulders are of solid dark col- 67 Mammals Rabbits a?id Hares ors, often black. The hind feet, and the front feet and legs, the neck and jaws are white. The Silver-gray breed has fur which is very thick and soft, and the color of chinchilla. The Silver- fawn and the Silver-brown are similar. The Flemish Giant has iron grey ftir above and is white beneath. The Japanese rabbits have orange fur, and are banded with black on the hind quarters. The Polish rabbits are albino, with pink eyes. HOUSE Pet rabbits are usually kept in boxes or hutches. These should be built in a way to protect the animal from the rain and cold, and at the same time to ad- mit fresh air and to be easily cleaned. For an ordi- nary sized rabbit, the hutch could be at least a yard long, and eighteen inches wide and high. The ends must be draft-proof, and the roof water-tight, and the hutch floor should be raised above the ground. If the rabbits are not allowed their liberty, the hutch may be surrormded by a yard covered with wire netting. There shotild be a sleeping apartment partitioned off from one end of the hutch. The hutch should be bedded down with sawdust, and on top of this, in the sleeping apartment, there should be plenty of clean, fresh straw or hay. The sawdust in the out- side room will need to be renewed daily, but not so often in the sleeping room. It is best, if possible, to allow the rabbits out-door runs. These may be made of wire netting, but it must be remembered that the rabbits are burrowers, and so the netting shotdd be set down into the ground for a distance. If the run is small it should be roof- 68 Rabbits and Hares M amtnals ed over. In any case, if several rabbits are kept to- gether, each should have a retiring room. FOOD Rabbits and hares are vegetarians. Their chief food should be hay, clover, oats, and bran; and green food, such as grass, cabbage, a little dandelion, or parsley; and roots, such as carrots, beets and parsnips. They eat the hay used for bedding, so it should be of good quality, and liberal in amount. They are espec- ially fond of clover hay. The oats, bran or meal should be dampened so as to be crumbly, but not sloppy. Too much moist food is likely to prove fatal ; in general, the drier the food the better the rab- bit thrives. If there are no green vegetables, bread- crusts, either dry or soaked in water or milk, and squeezed, make good food. The oats may be given as an evening meal, the greens may be given at noon; the green food should not be wet, frosted, or weath- ered. When many cabbage leaves are fed, the hutch is likely to have a "rabbity" smell. Food should be given in vessels that have the edges turned inward so the rabbit cannot easily scratch the food out. These feeding pans should be kept very clean. Water should be given in a vessel securely fastened to avoid spilling, and the water should be kept fresh. If soaked bread, or succulent green stuff is given, the water is not needed. CARE It is very important that rabbits be given exercise as freely as possible, if they are confined in a hutch. If they have good runways they will exercise them- selves. Mammals Rabbits and Hares When handled, a rabbit should not be Hfted by the ears alone. Clasp the ears or the loose skin of the back with one hand, and bear the animal's weight with the other. If treated kindly and gently, rabbits become very tame, and in many homes they have the range of the premises. Rabbits are likely to have dropsy or diarrhoea from being fed too much green food. When attacked by these they should be fed hay and oats. They are also likely to suffer from colds and pneumonia. Mucus flows from the nose, and great care shotdd be taken to prevent the mucus from hardening and thus stop the animal's breath. The nose should be bathed with hot water at least twice a day, and the patient should be given a warm soft bed. A little hot milk may be given, and potato parings boiled with bran. Some rabbits suffer from disease of the paws. This usually comes from filthy hutches, and may be pre- vented more readily than cured. CARE OF THE DOE AND YOUNG The doe carries her young about thirty days and her sleeping room should be kept private when a litter is expected, and she should be kept very quiet. She will make her own nest of the hay, lining it with her own fur which she pulls out for that purpose. She should not be disturbed soon after the young are born, else she may devour her litter. The young rabbits are born blind and helpless,; and are covered with very scanty soft silky fur. When the mother is off feeding, we may be permitted to peep in to see if any are dead or deformed, and if so we should remove them. After nine days the eyes of the little rabbits open. Before a month old the 70 Rabbits and Hares Mammals youngsters can move about, and may be fed, but should not be taken away from the mother before they are two months old. Bread and milk is good for a doe and litter. Fine bran, to which a little scraped carrot has been added, may be given after a little. Oat meal dampened may also be given. After weaning the litter, the sexes should be separated. For References see those for Guinea Pig. MOLLY COTTONTAIL I am little Molly Cottontail, my fur is nice and gray, And if to see me you should fail ; I was meant to be that way. I look just like the hay. My ears are very, very tall when I listen for m_y foe And down along my back they fall when I am lying low. But every sound I know. My eyes are placed so I can see behind and front as well. My nice nose wabbles constantly — ^my enemy to smell — Before he comes pell mell. I have some bunny comrades gay, by night we jump and run. Leapfrog and tag, we like to play and have whole loads of fun. And fear not dog nor gun. For we always have a guard, a sentinel to peer. Who thumps the ground so hard that all of us can hear If an enemy comes near. We flee through briar and thorn, in runways none can follow, My home is in a cosy form down in the grassy hollow, Where all the weeds run fallow. And there I make the nest for my bunnies, blind and wee. I pluck the soft fur from my breast to cover them when it is best That I should elsewhere be. 71 THE GUINEA PIG ■\HESE compact little rodents are related to the rabbits. Indeed, in Patagonia there is a species with long legs very much like those of a hare, a distinct tail and long ears. So that whatever this little aniraal is, it is not a pig, nor does it come from Gtiinea ; for South America is the native land of the Guinea pig and its near relations; and they dwelt there long before man came, for we find their skele- tons among the fossils of that region. The cavy family is a large one, containing many species, some of which are not much larger than mice, and others of all sizes up to that of a half -grown pig. These many species have differing habits. Some live in the mountains with dens in the rocks; others live in the rich river valleys, and do much damage to crops; others live mostly in the water, while many inhabit the high table lands. Many of the lofty plains of the Andes mountains are so under- mined by the burrows of the cavies, that it is danger- ous to attempt to cross them on horseback, since the horse is likely to fall and break a leg. The prairie dogs make some of our western plains likewise dangerous. Although some species of cavies feed during the day, most of them feed during certain hours of the night. Their food consists of roots, and many kinds of vegetables and fruits. One species in Patagonia has been known to climb trees to feed upon their fruit, but this is a very unusual cavy accomplishment. 72 The Guinea Pig Mammals Cavies form a prized article of food among the South American Indians. Oiir common pet is sup- posed to have been developed from the species called "Cutler's cavy," which had been domesticated in ancient times by the Incas of Peru; mummies of cavies are found in their cemeteries. While many of the species, in a wild state, breed only twice per year, our domesticated varieties pro- duce their litters about every two months. An in- teresting thing about the little Guinea pigs is that they are most precocious babies; they are fully dressed in long hairy coats, and have their eyes open when they are bom. They are quite capable of running along beside the mother when they are but a few hours old, and they reach their full growth in from three to five months. The best known varieties of this pet are as follows : The English, which has a short, smooth coat, like the original wild cavy, and with varying colors. The Abyssinian which has a rough coat, arranged in cow- licks of rosettes. The Angora which has a smooth coat of long, soft hair, and occurs in many colors and patterns. The Peruvian has the long hair of the Angora, and the rosettes of the Abyssinian, and is a most frowsy little creature. While all these varieties may have several colors, there are those of one color which are called self-colored; and there are albinos with white hair and pink eyes in all the breeds. The colors recognized are the agouti, consisting of black or brown hairs tipped with yeUow, black, chocolate, or brown and yellow. HOUSE The Guinea pig should be kept in a hutch inside of a house or shed of some kind. It cannot stand 73 Mammals The Guinea Pig exposure to the cold, and should not be kept where the temperature falls below freezing. An inverted box a foot square with a six-inch hole in the side may be used as a nest for one Guinea pig. It should be filled with straw or hay. FOOD Guinea pigs live exclusively on vegetable food. They are very fond of fresh grass, lettuce, celery leaves, beet tops, plantain, watercress, dandelions and parsley. Apples are also appreciated now and then. But if we wish to keep our Guinea pigs thoroughly well, we will furnish them with a constant supply of carrots. Grains of various sorts may be given, especially oats, either in the natural state or in the form of rolled oats. When feeding on the juicy vegetables the cavies do not drink much, but it is best to keep a fresh supply of water always within reach. CARE Each house may contain several females, but only one male, for the males are given to fighting each other desperately. The long-haired varieties need much personal attention; their hair should not be combed, but should be brushed downwards with a soft hairbrush. A tooth brush is needed to properly comb the rosettes of the Abyssinians and Peruvians. REFERENCES Description of habits, American Animals, Stone and Cram. The Life of Animals, Ernest Ingersoll. Rabbits, Cats and Cavies, Lane. Outdoor Work, M. R. Miller. The Common Sense of Rabbit and Cavy Keeping, The Spratts Co. The Gui^iea Pig Mammals "Raggylug," Wild Animals I Have Known, and "Little War Horse," Animal Heroes, Thompson-Seton. Squirrels and Other Fur Bearers, John Burroughs. "Queer Ways of Br'er Rabbit," Ways of Wood Folk, IF /. Lo7ig. "Rabbit Roads," in Wild Life Near Home, D. L. Sharpe. Our Domestic Animals, C. W. Burkett. THE RED SQUIRREL Just a tawny glimmer, A dash of red and gray. Was it a flitting shadow. Or a sunbeam gone astray ! It glances up a tree trunk. And a pair of bright eyes glow Where a little spy in ambush Is measuring his foe. I hear a mocking chuckle, Then wrathful, he grows bold And stays his pressing business To scold and scold and scold. 75 SQUIRRELS ORMERLY gray and black squirrels were as 'common throughout our country as is the red squirrel today, and even more so; but these larger species have been hunted to such an extent that we rarely see the gray squirrels except as protected creatures in parks; and the black squirrel has dis- appeared except in a few localities. The red squirrel has, because of its small size and greater cunning, escaped this sad fate. The red squirrel is just a playfiil, natural-bom rascal, but perhaps the most attractive rascal in the animal world. He is a great thief, and would much rather steal his food than to gather it, even though it caused him more effort. In fact, he enjoys strenuous effort always, especially in a bad cause. The chip- munk, -white-footed mice, gray squirrels, and espec- ially the blue-jays, are the victims of his thieving. He will spend a whole morning watching a blue jay or a chipmunk in order to discover where they hide their stores ; but if one of them tries to steal his stores it is quite another matter, and he becomes so indig- nant that he scolds for an hour after. The gray squirrel is not so quick mentally or physi cally as is his red cousin, neither is he so mischievous or suspicious. Although he lives in holes in trees he wishes plenty of room, and so hollows out a good sized nest which he beds down with leaves. Several may live together in such a nest. They also make nests in summer among the branches of trees; these they build of leaves and small branches in layers, roofed with leaves to protect from rain. 76 From Country Ltfi: in America FEEDING THE GRAY SQUIRREL Squirrels Mammals The squirrel has two pairs of gnawing teeth, which are long and strong, and he needs to gnaw hard sub- stances with them constantly or they will grow so long that he cannot use them at all, and will starve to death. He is very clever about opening nuts so as to get all the meats. He usually opens a hickory nut by making two holes which tap the cavities which contain the meats. In walnuts, or butternuts, which have m.uch harder shells, he makes four small holes, one opposite each quarter of the kernel. The young are bom in a protected nest, usually in the hollow of a tree. There are from four to six young in a litter and they appear in April. It is quite useless to try to tame a red squirrel unless taken when young. The gray squirrels, on the contrary, will become very tame, and will soon learn to take food from the hand of the master or mistress. HOUSE It is wicked to keep such an active creattire as a squirrel in an ordinary small squirrel cage, even though it be provided with a wheel. The way to get the most pleasure from pet squirrels is to give them their freedom in the trees about the groimds, and tame them by feeding. If the squirrels must be confined, they should be kept in a cage of chicken wire of half inch mesh, and it should be at least six feet square. At one side near the top there should be a nest box about one foot square, with a hole at one side near the top, about three inches in diameter; the box should contain dried grass or leaves. In the cage there should be branches spread across so that the captives may leap and play upon them. A pair may be kept in such a cage, but there should be two 77 Mammals Squirrels nest boxes. A wheel may be placed in this home for the amusement of the little prisoners. FOOD The gray and red squirrels take the same kind of food. They should be given an abundance of nuts with hard shells, like walnuts, butternuts and hickory nuts, so as to keep their long teeth from growing too rapidly. They are also fond of chestnuts, and acorns, and will learn to eat peanuts. They are fond of berries, apples, lettuce, and meal worms. A bone with a little uncooked meat on it should be given once or twice a week. Com, bread and milk, bread crusts, and dry breakfast food are also relished. Liunps of hard plaster should be kept accessible for health's sake and for sake of the teeth. A dish of fresh water should always be kept where the squirrel can get at it. A baby squirrel may be reared by keeping it in a warm nest in a box fitted with batting or wool. It must be fed at first with warm, fresh milk from the point of a small teaspoon. The milk should be of blood temperature. After a little, give bread soaked in warm milk. As soon as the gnawing teeth have well started, nut meats may be given. Lumps of plaster should be given also. CARE The cage should be kept clean; the nest boxes should be cleaned and filled freshly with bedding once a week during the summer; but it is best not to disturb the nest boxes during cold weather. Fresh bedding should be placed in them about the first of ^larch as a preparation for the young squirrels. 78 Squirr els Mammals The gray squirrels, and sometimes the red squirrels, will breed in a cage, as described. ' Unless two squir- rels live happily together, it is best to keep them in separate cages, as they are likely to injure each other. FURRY His Story as recorded in THE PET NOTE-BOOK *Furry was a baby red squirrel. One day in May his mother was moving him from one tree to another. He was clinging with his little arms around her neck and his body clasped tightly against her breast, when something frightened her and in a sudden movement, she dropped her heavy baby in the grass. Thus, I inherited him and entered upon the rather onerous duties of caring for a baby of whose needs I knew little; but I knew that every well-cared for baby should have a book detailing all that happens to it, therefore, I made a book for Furry, writing in it each day the things he did. If the children who have pets keep similar books, they will find them most interest- ing reading afterward, and they will surely enjoy the writing very much. *From the Author's "Handbook of Nature-Study". 79 Mavimals Squirrels May 1 8, 1902 — The baby squirrel is just large enough to cuddle in one hand. He cuddles all right when once he is captured ; but he is a terrible fighter, and when I attempt to take him in one hand, he scratches and bites and growls so that I have been obliged to name him Fury. I told him, however, if he improved in temper I would change his name to Furry. May 19 — Fury greets me when I open his box, with the most awe-inspiring little growls, which he evi- dently supposes will make me turn pale with fear. He has not cut his teeth yet, so he cannot bite very severely, but that isn't his fault, for he tries hard enough. The Naturalist said cold milk would kill him, so I warmed the milk and put it in a teaspoon and placed it in front of his nose; he batted the spoon with both forepaws and tried to bite it, and thus got a taste of the milk, which he drank eagerly lapping it up like a kitten. When I hold him in one hand and cover him with the other, he turns contented little somersatdts over and over. May 20 — Fury bit me only once to-day, when I took him out to feed him. He is cutting his teeth on my devoted fingers. I tried giving him grape-nuts soaked in milk, but he spat it out in disgust. He always washes his face as soon as he is through eating. May 21 — Fury lies curled under his blanket all day. Evidently good little squirrels stay quietly in the nest, when the mother is not at home to give them permission to run around. When Fury sleeps, he roUs himself up in a little ball with his tail wrapped closely around him. The squirrel's tail is his "furs," 80 Squirrels Mammals which he wraps around him to keep his back warm when he sleeps in winter. May 23 — Every time I meet Uncle John he asks, "Is his name Fury or Furry now?" Uncle John is much interested in the good behavior of even little squirrels. As Fury has not bitten me hard for two days, I think I will call him Furry after this. He ate some bread soaked in milk to-day, holding it in his hands in real squirrel fashion. I let him run around the room and he liked it. May 25 — Furry got away from me this morning and I did not find him for an hour. Then I dis- covered him in a pasteboard box of drawing paper with the cover on. How did he squeeze through? May 26 — He holds the bowl of the spoon with both front paws while he drinks the milk. When I try to draw the spoon away, to fill it again after he has emptied it, he objects and hangs on to it with all his little might, and scolds as hard as ever he can. He is such a funny, unreasonable baby. May 28 — To-night I gave Furry a walnut meat. As soon as he smelled it he became greatly excited; he grasped the meat in his hands and ran off and hid under my elbow, growling like a kitten with its first mouse. May 30 — Since he tasted nuts he has lost interest in milk. The nut meats are too hard for his new teeth, so I mash them and soak them in water and now he eats them like a little piggy-wig with no manners at all. He loves to have me stroke his back while he is eating. He uses his thumbs and fingers in such a human way that I always call his front paws, hands. When his piece of nut is very small he holds 81 Mammals Squirrels it in one hand and clasps the other hand behind the one which holds the dainty morsel, so as to make it safe. May 31 — When he is sleepy, he scolds if I disturb him and turning over on his back, bats my hand with all of his soft little paws and pretends that he is going to bite. June 4 — Furry ranges around the room now to please himself. He is a little mischief; he tips over his cup of milk and has commenced gnawing ofif the wall paper behind the book-shelf to make him a nest. The paper is green and will probably make him sorry. June 5 — This morning Furry was hidden in a roll of paper. I put my hand over one end of the roll and then reached in with the other hand to get him ; but he got me instead, because he ran up my sleeve and was much more contented to be there than I was to have him. I was glad enough when he left his hiding place and climbed to the top shelf of the bookcase, far beyond my reach. June 6 — I have not seen Furry for twenty-four hours, but he is here surely enough. Last night he tipped over the ink bottle and scattered nut shells over the floor. He prefers pecans to any other nuts. June 7 — I caught Furry to-day and he bit my finger so it bled. But afterwards, he cuddled in my hand for a long time and then climbed my shoulder and went hunting around in my hair and wanted to stay there and make a nest. When I took him away, he pulled out his two hands full of my devoted tresses. I'll not employ him as a hairdresser. 82 'y. » „.,A, j^mi DA R 1X1, FAIEl A Red Squirrel at the I i -rVs Drinking Dish Squirrels Mammals June 9 — Furry sleeps nights in the top drawer of my desk; he crawls in from behind. When I pull out the drawer he pops out and scares me nearly out of my wits; but he keeps his wits about him and gets away before I can catch him. June 20 — I keep the window open so Furry can run out and in and learn to take care of himself out- of-doors. August 20 — Furry soon learned to take care of himself, though he often returns for nuts, which I keep for him in a bowl. He does not come very near rae out-of-doors, but he often speaks to me in a friendly manner from a certain pitch pine tree near the house. There are many blank leaves in Furry's note-book. I wish that he could have written on these what he thought about me and my performances. It would certainly have been the most interesting book con- cerning squirrels in the world. REFERENCE Description of habits, American Animals, Stone and Cram. "The Gray Squirrel," in Familiar Wild Animals, W. J. Lottridge. Squirrels and Other Fur Bearers, John Burroughs. "Squirrels and More Squirrels," in Little Beasts op Field and Wood, W. E. Cram. "Meeko, the Alischief-Maker," in Secrets of the Woods, W J. Long. A Quintette of Graycoats, Effie Bignell. 83 THE CHIPMUNK /^-HEREVER this little ground squirrel is found, he is easily tam^d, and the bestwaytokeep him for a pet is to let him. live •^out of doors under natural con- ditions, and work gradually into his confidence through feeding him. We have for years had such intimate chipmunk friends, and have enjoyed them far more than if they were caged. They soon learn to know membea-s of the family ; and one of the chief joys of such a relationship has been the way the mother has taught the yotmg- sters to regard us as friends. I know of no more de- lightftd experience than to have one of these young chipmunks, a little soft striped ball sit up in front of me as I rest on a garden bench, looking eagerly for a donation from my hand. Miss Irene Hardy, of Palo Alto, Cal., has had marked success in making pets of the little chip- munks of the Sierras. One called Chipsy was especially interesting. He was allowed the freedom of her room, and after she had filled the dish on the table with English walnuts, he would keep himself busy for a long time stealing and hiding them. His originality in finding hiding places was remark- able. Once he managed to get his nuts and himself into a covered bandbox on the closet shelf and stored his precious walnuts in the velvet bows of a bonnet. His unsuspecting mistress wore the bonnet thus decorated to chtirch and did not discover the work of her new miUiner until after she returned. 84 Pholo by ]'er>u- Murlvu PET CHIPMl NK FILLING HI^ CHEEK POUCHES WITH HR K<..)RY NETS .J^'l» PhoU, I'V lini, Ihiidy CHIPsY A i-it Sierra ihii'inunk gu ini.' hi- favorite performantt on a tuniMir The Chipmunk Mammals The chipmunk has cheek pouches which the squirrel lacks, and in these pouches he carries out the soil which he removes in making his btirrow as well as carries in his store of nuts and grain. The burrow is usually made in a dry hillside. The entrance is just large enough to admit the chipmunk's body, but widens to a nest which is well-bedded down. There is usually a back door also, so that in case of necessity, the inmate can escape. In this nest, the chipmunk stores nuts and acorns, so that when he awakes during his long winter's sleep he finds refreshment near-by. The chipmunk is not so noisy as the red squirrel, but he can cluck like a cuckoo when he is gathering nuts, and he can chatter a great many things which we should like to understand. When he eats, he holds his nut in both hands, and makes himself into a little bunch with his tail curled up his back. HOUSE If in the country, and there are no cats about, the chipmunks may be trusted to provide their own homes. Next to entire freedom it is most desirable to let a chipmunk have the freedom of one room in which there are nooks where he may hide and make his nest. If it is necessary to keep this pet in close confinement, the cage should be large and made of fine chicken wire, such as described for the red squir- rels, and should be fitted in a similar way with nest box and branches. A chipmunk will not live long in a small cage. The bottom of the cage should be cement, otherwise the captive will burrow out. Cover the bottom of the cage with a foot or so of loose soil, so that the pet can burrow in it at his pleasure. 85 Mammals The Chipmunk FOOD Beechnuts, hickory nuts, sweet acorns, and in fact, almost any kind of nut is rehshed by the chipmunk. It is also fond of cherries and cherry-pits. Apples (including the seeds) berries, carrots, almost any breakfast food, bread crusts, and occasionally a bone with a little meat upon it may be given. CARE If confined to a cage or room, the chipmunk should have access to fresh water. It is natural for this animal to hibernate, and it is best to let him have a cold room in winter so that he can go to sleep when he gets sleepy; and plenty of food shotdd be at hand in case he wakes up. REFERENCES Description of habits, American Animals, Stone mid Cram. Squirrels and Other Fur Bearers, John Burroughs . "Small Folk with Lively Feet," in Familiar Life in Field and Forest, F. S. Mathews. A chip:\iunk conversation "Little chap all dressed in stripes so gay Pray tell me how do you do today — You have the mumps I fear." "Little girl, to chat I cannot stay ]My pouches are filled, I must away To my cellar for winter is near." 86 / / lu n HI FnSl,', A FLYIXG SQUIRREL FLYING SQUIRRELS LYING squirrels are the original in- ventors of the aeroplane. Thous- ands of years before human beings ever thought of such things, these little animals had tasted well this mode of travel. The flying squirrel has very much the same structure as other squirrels, except that there is a fold of skin along the sides, con- nected with the fore and hind legs, so that it can be extended by spreading the legs wide out when the creature leaps. The great Audubon has given us interesting ac- counts of how these aeronauts leap from the top of one tree to the base of another fifty yards away, making a ctirve upwards at the end so as to land among the branches. Dr. Eugene Barker who has made a special study of these squirrels, declares that they can turn at will, at sharp angles when flying, the tail being held out stiffly and seeming to serve as a rudder. The flying squirrels are night folk. They usually sleep during the day, and about nine o'clock in the evening awake, and are very active. They nest in cavities in trees, usually rather high up. Often they take possession of an abandoned woodpecker's nest or some other "cave for rent", using even bird boxes. They frequently make their nest in a dead tree, cutting out a cavity with their strong teeth until it is large and commodious ; the entrance is small, and preferably beneath a branch, where it is not too obvious. The nest is lined with fine moss or other 87 Mammals Flying Squirrels soft material. These squirrels are sociable little folk, and several may live in such a nest. They also make a summer nest in the trees, or notably in high grape vines. It is made of finely shredded bark with very thick walls, and with a cosy little pocket at the center in which to cuddle. At the writing of this, a flying squirrel family has taken possession of our garret. It is rather exciting to reach into a wall-pocket, expecting to get some cotton-batting, and have a little creature pop out and cling to the rafter above your head, and gaze at you with its great, soft eyes, as if asking why it was thus disturbed. From my own experience, I should say that its fur was the softest and finest that covers any animal; it certainly feels softer than any cotton- batting. The favorite gathering place for this family is over our sleeping porch, and often in the coldest weather we hear them hopping around at night, so we know they do not really hibernate. The young are bom in May; in the South there is another litter in September. They are bare and blind when first bom, but the little mother cuddles them under her soft "wings" and takes excellent care of them. If taken when young, the flying squirrel is a delight- ful pet. Mr. IngersoU says, "If you do not know where a family is living, go about tapping on wood- pecker-riddled dead stubs on the edge of a wood, until a furry head pops up to investigate, and then the capture is very easy, for it cannot be denied that this little animal seems to be fearless and confiding, largely through lack of wit." Dr. Merriam gives an account of one which when placed on the table in front of him would come to the edge nearest him and whimper to be taken up ; when Flying Squirrel s Mammals the doctor extended his arm the little creature, trembling with delight would leap upon his hand and run up his sleeve or down his neck. Mr. Ingersoll says that the general testimony of those who have made these animals pets, is that if one chanced to escape from the cage at night it went straight to where its master was sleeping, and crawled into bed with him and cuddled up as close as possible. Several have told me that these squirrels particularly enjoy spending their days curled up in a coat- pocket. Since flying squirrels are not strictly speaking hibernating animals, they need to provide stores for their winter use. They are not selfish like the red squirrel, but often have their stores in common, in or near their winter nests. These consist of nuts, acorns, com, grain, birch-catkins, seeds from cones, and various other dried seeds. In the spring they eat many growing buds of trees. In gathering acorns and nuts, they cut off and drop down more than they harvest. Whether this is from mischief or careless- ness we do not know. I am sorry to say that they will also take bird's eggs and nestlings, if they can find them. HOUSE The flying squirrel should have the freedom of the house. If kept in a cage at all, it should be a large one, like that described for the red and gray squirrels. Mr. Silas Lottridge kept a pair in a large cage, which had a squirrel-wheel attachment, that seemed to give them a great deal of pleasure. One day, in their play, one of them took an apple into the wheel to get it away from the other, and when the wheel began to revolve was vastly entertained by the noise of the Mammals Flying Sqtiirrels apple bounding against it; and the pair was soon jumping and bounding over the apple as the wheel revolved. After they had learned this game, they often put two or three large nuts in the wheel to make matters exciting. The ideal home for the flying squirrel is a hole or cranny in a tree trunk near the house; or in a bird box placed on a tree or beneath the eaves. This arrangement gives the little aeronauts a chance to live their lives naturally, and at the same time prove interesting neighbors. FOOD The pet should be fed soft-shelled nuts, like acorns and chestnuts, com, and many kinds of seeds. Mr. Barker found that his flying sqtiirrels were fond of puffed wheat, and oat meal, and almost any kind of breakfast foods. They also learned to eat peanuts. Meal worms, or a bone with a scanty amount of meat on it may be given occasionally. Also bread soaked in sweet milk. At the New York Zoological Garden, the dietary consists of bread, lettuce, sunflower seed, and a peanut or two once of twice a week. CARE Water should not be left in the cage, but a shallow dish that cannot be upset should be put in once a day. Cut hay makes an excellent bedding material for this pet. REFERENCES American Animals, Stone and Cram. "Flying Squirrels," Familiar Wild Animals, W. J. Lottridge. "A Tree-top Aeronaut," Neighbors Unknown, C. G. D. Roberts. "Wild Life in Orchard and Field, Ernest Ingersoll. 90 A WOljDCHrCK MOTHER AXD LriTLE l)NE From CouHli-y Lifr in A met in} A PET \Vi iiilJCI-inK silllNi, I'l I I s ['KTURE TME WOOBCeUCK 0A¥ STRANGE it is that coun- try children have so seldom, made pets of young wood- chucks! They are interesting little animals, and more in- telligent than most people think. The woodchuck shows his cleverness hy the way he digs a bmTOw. He does the work by loosening the earth with his front feet, andpuslhngit backward and out of the entrance with tlie hind feet. The direeticn of the burrow extends downward for a little way, and then rises at an easy angle, so that the inmate may be in no danger of flood. Thenestconsists of an enlargement at the end of the burrow lined with soft grass, which the animal brings in its capacious cheek pockets. There is usually more tlian one back- door to the woodchuck' s burrow, through which he may escape if pressed trso closely by enemies. These back d(M)rs differ from the entrance in having no earth heaped near them, and in being hidden. The f< )llowing true story of a pet woodchuck, was given me by Professor Ida Reveley of Wells Cf>llege. It is a record of a pet woodchuck, captured and tamed by her and her brother: CIILXKIE "Oh, Lou! Open that barrel for me. Just see! I've got the cutest little. woodchuck — had him liy one toe, and he isn't hurt much, so we will keep him. 91 Mammals The Woodchuck Look out; you know they bite like sixty!" With that Bob undid his hat, at the same time holding it over the barrel, and there tumbled out a poor, forlorn, wet woodchuck, scarcely larger than his fist. It was so different in shape from a kitten, that a comparison with a young feline would fail to convey any idea of its true size and shape. The cover was quickly put over the barrel, and the woodchuck was left to his own reflections on the folly of disregarding parental admonitions in respect to boys and traps. After supper, it occurred to Bob (for a wonder) that his captive might be hungry. He was so small that there was only one way to feed him, so a dish of milk and a spoon were found and the two children set to work, first to get him out of the barrel without injury to themselves; secondly to feed him. The first was accomplished by throwing an old apron into the barrel, and having enveloped the formidable creature in its folds, it was an easy task to tip up the barrel and "dump" the contents upon the floor. Here the apron was removed, and after several soft touches had been bestowed on the animal without resistance on his part, Lou ventured to take him up in her hands. Frightened he may have been, but not so much so that it took away his desire to eat ; for as soon as Bob had put some milk into his spoon. Chuckle seized it between his teeth, and placed one paw on each side so he could drain it more easily. A few minutes sufficed to satisfy his hunger for that time, and also to teach him to eat, so that afterwards it was necessary only to place milk where he could find it. At night he was placed in a box behind the kitchen stove, and remained there until early the next morning, when he awoke the household by his shrill little whistle, expressive of his displeasure in having 92 The W oodchuck Mammal s explored the whole floor without finding anything to eat. In two or three days Chuckie became accustomed to his home, and grew fat and playful as any sensible creature would have done under like circumstances. He was very fond of running over the carpets, but for some reason or other grandma was decidedly averse to having him walk on the carpet in her room, which was his favorite place for taking exercise. Whenever he saw the door open, he seemed to say, "Now's my chance!" and proceeded to take advantage of it as fast as his stubby little legs would carry him. Grand- ma usually started at about the same time, and if Chuckie saw that she was getting ahead of him, he would take a shorter route and go under the stove, thus reaching the coveted territory first ; after which, with his spunkiness and natural animal obstinacy, it was the work of several minutes to get him out. He spent much of his time under the stove at first. When he was hungry he would come out and ask for milk as plainly as he cotdd; and if that did not attract attention he would seize the bottom of mamma's or grandma's dress, pulling and grunting with all his might. If they walked along, dragging him, he didn't seem to mind it in the least, but hung on with a perverseness worthy of a better cause. It was some time before he came to know his name, but he could always be called by rapping on the floor. Such funny places as he found for a bed when he grew older! Many a time did papa find him curled up in his slipper; and once when Bob had hung his coat on a chair to dry, Chuckie found his way into a pocket; and after that, his favorite place was in the pocket (or sleeve purposely tied at the end) of an old coat which hung on a nail on a low railing. 93 Mammals The Woodchuck There was a pile of wood out by the back door, ready to be sawed and put into the woodshed. Under this Chuckie had a nest which he sometimes used in the day time. When the wood pile was removed, this nest was found to be made of bark and all sorts of bright colored things, particularly green paper. Chuckie was as playful as a kitten, but was by no means as agile, and it was truly a laughable sight to see him play with a piece of bark suspended from the end of a pole. He was an excellent climber, and liked to be under a dress or coat, and would often climb into Bob's lap and from there under his coat on his back, where he would stay until taken down. Bob and Lou carried him with them all over the neighborhood, and once even took him to town several miles away. But he grew very troublesome, and they had to borrow a shoe box to carry him home in. As he grew older he became more shy, and one day he disappeared ; only once after that was he seen, and that time in a pasture near the house, when he came within a few feet of Bob, who called him by name. This is a true story, and Chuckie was only one of the many pets which Bob and Lou had at their home." HOUSE It would be better to let the woodchuck play about L.he grounds and garden, if possible ; but if kept con- fined, the cage should be a large one, eight or ten feet square and three feet high, made of chicken wire, and with cement bottom, otherwise the captive will burrow out. A box at least two feet square, with a 94 The Woodchuck Mammals hole in one side large enough for the woodchuck to enter shotild be provided for a nest, and it should be filled with dried grass. FOOD Fresh clover and grass are the woodchuck's favorite food. Melon rinds, sweet apples, peaches, almost any vegetables and roots, especially carrots, will be greedily eaten. Sweet milk may be given occasion- ally. Fresh water should be kept always accessible. CARE The cage should be kept clean, and the grass in the nest box changed often; since the woodchuck is a hibernating animal it should be fed plentiftdly in the fall, and be given a cold place to stay in the winter. However, it should not be kept in a place where the thermometer drops below freezing. The object of giving food plentifully in August and September is to allow the animal to put on sufficient fat to last during its winter sleep. If kept constantly in a warm place, it will have drowsy spells, but will take food occasionally^ REFERENCES Americaist Animals, Stone and Cram. "A Woodland Codger," Wild Neighbors, Ernest Ingersoll. Familiar Wild Animals, IT'. /. Lottridge. Squirrels and Other Fur Bearers, John Biirroughs. Wild Animals that Every Child Should Know, Rogers. THE PMAIMIE DOG HIS little cousin of the squirrels makes a pet that is entertaining the day long, and is also easily cared for, although it does not like to be handled. The prairie dog, sitting up on his mound, with his hands folded, looks like a little statue, so still he sits, when he is making a reconnaissance of the country round about. But this statue soon comes to life, drops on all fours and scuttles off to find a straw, which is the prairie dog's equivalent for a cigar. Then he sits up again, takes an end of the straw in each hand, bends it V-shape, thrusts the angle into his mouth and nibbles away with great enjoyment. He is a jolly fellow, full of fun, and we become very fond of him because of his cheerful disposition. The prairie dog's whole appearance is attractive, and at the same time comical. His legs are so short, that when he is running along he looks as though he were on casters, and his short black-bordered tail, seems at first to be a mere afterthought ; but further observation shows that it is of great use in expressing his feelings, for with every fresh emotion of its owner, the tail jerks sympathetically. The usual bark of a prairie dog is probably meant for a chuckle, intended to express entire contentment with things in general. However, he makes several other interesting sounds that certainly are fuU of meaning to his fellows. For instance, he gives a very special kind of a bark when his old enemy, the snake, glides into his burrow; as soon as they hear this warning bark, all of his neighbors gather around, and proceed to fill the hole with earth, packing it >i wj■?'-■ » W -\0^f^:. ! •' -^'^^w^' ■ ' ■ li P« ■.;;;■ '^^^Hp^ ; »*•; ■ .\ Sk * |>^ '^^jm^^MJ^I^F 1 /X^^?^. w ^^^^''u w ' l^^^^w si' '"^ k' fe' '' ^^^^KKM^^^^^tK^^^sS^^^K^^^mH- fm- ' The Prairie Dog M amvtals hard, thus burying the snake ahve. At least this is the story naturahsts tell. The burrow of the prairie dog is very careftdly made; around the entrance is a mound of earth packed hard, which in times of flood prevents the waters from flowing into the burrow and drowning out the inmates. This mound also serves as a watch- tower, on which its little builder may sit and look abroad over the land and up into the sky, when watching for snakes, coyotes, foxes, wild cats, hawks and owls, which are the natural enemies of his kind. The burrow extends down a very steep slope from the entrance for twelve or fifteen feet, and then extends out horizontally leading to various chambers, some of which are used for living rooms, other for store- houses, in which harvests of grass or other vegetation may be kept; while there are still other chambers used for refuse. Mexico and Southwestern United States to the Utah basin, and the great dry plains east of the Rocky Mountains, are the regions inhabited by prairie dogs. They are sociable little fellows, and like to live in villages. Since they soon exhaust the scanty food supply around their burrows, the old villages are abandoned and new ones established in more favor- able situations; thus their villages cover acres. Since the development of the arid regions into farm- ing lands, the prairie dogs have taken a new lease of life, and have flourished greatly. They especially enjoy all kinds of farm crops, and consequently do a great deal of damage. Dr. Merriam says that there are colonies extending for a distance of twenty to thirty miles. One colony in Texas covers an area of t-^enty-five himdred square miles. The government is making experiments as to the best methods of destroying these industrious little burrowers when they encroach upon ctdtivated lands. 97 Mammals The Prairie Dog HOUSE The prairie dog prefers to house himself; so, all we have to do is to give him a little ground of his own, and he will proceed at once to make him a burrow. The difficulty is to keep him from burrowing beyond the boundaries of his chicken-wire fence. If we feed him well, we may perhaps make him stifficiently lazy, so that he will not burrow so extensively under ground. However, if he seems likely to escape, we may build for him a cage, which ought to be at least ten feet square, with a zinc or cement bottom and chicken- wire sides. The floor of the cage should have on it two or three feet of solidly packed earth, so that the little prisoner can play at making a burrow. A most successful enclosure for a prairie dog home may be seen in the New York Zoological Park. It is a circular enclosure, eighty feet in diameter, surrounded by an iron fence, with an overhang, with walls going down to bed-rock. It occupies a rocky hill top, and contains about fifty fat, contented prairie dogs. FOOD Almost any green food is acceptable such as grass, clover, lettuce, celery tops, carrots, potatoes, apples, and in fact, almost any kind of vegetation that is green and succulent. In his native home the prairie dog never drinks, and when in confinement he seems to get sufficient water from his juicy green food. A pile of hay or straw should be kept in one comer of the enclosure, to afford the little prisoner entertain- ment. REFERENCES American Animals, Stone arA Cram. Wild Animals That Every Child Should Know, Rogers. Visit to a Prairie Dog Village, Washington Irving. From Couiiiry Lift- in Aiiit'r A PHT PRAIRIE DOG Co/(i7fsv ,-if Douhleday. Pa^e WHITE MICE THE WHITE RAT E are so accustomed to think of a rat as simply a pest, that we do not reahze what the species have Hved through in order to survive. We are quite in the habit of look- ing to the history of Europe for descriptions of great wars, but there was once a war in Europe that is not mentioned in the accounts of great battles which took place there ; and 3^et, perhaps, this was the fiercest war of all, and it was waged be- tween two species of rats. Both of these European rat species are supposed to have originated in Asia, probably in China. One of them is the Black rat, more slender than our common species, being about seven inches in length, bluish black in color, and having large thin ears. There is no record of the way or of the time of this rat's invasion of Europe from the Orient; but in 1300 A.D. it was thoroughly established there. In 1727 Europe was invaded by the species called, strangely, the Norway rat; this came from western China, and was a larger, fiercer and more dangerous animal than the Black species. In twenty-five years after it began to invade Russia, it had spread over all Europe, and had conquered, killed, and probably eaten the Black rats, which had been in possession of the region for so many centuries. A similar warfare took place in America, for probably with the ships of Columbus, and certainly in the Mayflower, the Black rats migrated from 99 Mammals The White Rat Europe to America. Soon after the Norway rat had conquered Ei^rope it came to America in ships, and here has carried on the war of extermination against the Black species, which is now found only in remote corners of our country. There is a variety of the Black species which has escaped this general extinc- tion. It is found in Egypt and adjoining countries, and has been introduced into our Southern States, it is called the "Roof rat". White rats and mice have been known for a long time ; they are the albinos of otir common forms, but have been bred for so long as fancy pets, that the breed is distinct. They are far more delicate than their common relations, but are more easily kept. HOUSE The general management for a white rat is the same as for mice, only the rat needs a larger cage. A pair of rats should have a cage at least two feet long by one foot wide and high. The front of the box should be covered with one-half inch wire netting; the cage should be bedded with sawdust or dry leaves, which should be frequently renewed. Every week or two the rats should be removed into a fresh house, and the one they have been in should be washed with soap and hot water and thoroughly dried before they are again put into it. In a comer of the cage there should be a sleeping compartment made of an inverted box, with a hole at one side, large enough to admit the body of the rat. This box should be filled with strips of paper or excelsior. FOOD The white rat may be fed grain of all kinds, and insects; it is especially fond of meal worms, hard- The White Rat Mammals boiled egg, and now and then a bone with some raw meat upon it. In fact, almost any table scraps are acceptable to these creatures, but they should never be fed with cheese. Plenty of fresh water should be kept in a dish where the rats can have constant access to it. Into the street the Piper stept. Smiling first a little smile, As if he knew what magic slept In his quiet pipe the while ; Then, like a musical adept, To blow the pipe his lips he wrinHed, And green and blue his sharp eyes twinkled Like a candle-flame where salt is sprinkled ; And ere three shrill notes the pipe uttered, You heard as if an army muttered ; And the mutterings grew to a grumbling ; And the grumbling grew to a mighty rumbling ; And out of the house the rats came ttunbling. Great rats, small rats, lean rats, brawny rats, Brown rats, black rats, gray rats, tawny rats, Grave old plodders, gay young friskers, Fathers, mothers, uncles, cousins. Cocking tails and pricking whiskers, Families by tens and dozens. Brothers, sisters, husbands, wives — Followed the Piper for their lives. From street to street he piped advancing, And step by step they followed dancing. Until they came to the river Weser Wherein aU plunged and perished. From "The Pied Piper of Hamelin" by Robert Browning. MICE HEN properly cared for, the ordinary- house mouse makes an amusing pet; but the Uttle white-footed mouse of the woods is, on the whole, more interesting and agreeable. The house mouse is wonderfully adapted for a successful life. The thin, velvety ears are wide open for catching any sound ; the eyes are keen, and the nose is long and inquisitive, and always sniffing for new impressions. The whiskers are delicate and very sensitive. The gnawing teeth are very strong, enabling the mouse to gnaw through boards. At the first glance one wonders why the mouse should have such a long and scaly tail; if we watch our pet we will find that it uses its tail in climbing up the sides of its cage, and will also twist it around its little twine trapeze when hanging to it with its hind feet. It is particularly interesting to watch a mouse clean itself. It nibbles and licks its fur, reaching around so as to get at it frora behind, and taking hold with its little hands to hold it firm while being cleaned. When washing its face and head, it uses its front feet for a washcloth, and licks them clean each time after rubbing from behind the ears down over the face. Young mice are small, downy, pink, and are bom blind. The mother makes for them a nice soft nest of bits of cloth, paper, grass, or whatever is at hand. The nest is ball-shaped, and at its center the family is cuddled. Mice Mammals Of all the wild mice, the white-footed or the deer mouse makes the most interesting pet. It lives in the woods, and is very different in appearance from the house mouse. Its ears are very large, and it is white beneath the head and body. The feet are pinkish. This mouse stores food for winter use. When I was a child I found in a hollow log two quarts of shelled beechnuts stored by this mouse. This little creature has a pretty habit of making its summer home in the fork of a branch or in a deserted bird's nest, which it roofs over. The young mice are carried hanging to the mother's breast. HOUSE While there are many good cages for observing wild mice, the one I like the best is an aquarium jar, with straight sides, either square or circtdar; a cover of wire netting is necessary. Place in the jar plenty of paper in strips, or excelsior, so that the pet may hide beneath it. Fasten a coarse piece of twine so that it will extend from the middle of the cover nearly to the bottom of the jar, so that the mouse can amuse itself, and us, by climbing. There should be another jar of the same size to which the mouse may be changed when its nest needs cleaning, which is as often as once or twice a week. It is rather difficult to change the mice from one jar to the other, and it should be done thus : Take off the cover and invert the clean jar to take its place, then turn both jars on their sides on the table, mouth to mouth. Wait until the pet is exploring his new quarters, then thrust a square of wire netting m for a cover and bring the fresh jar to an upright position. 103 Mammals Mice FOOD Mice thrive on almost all that we eat, and are especially fond of breakfast foods. They like stale bread, flies, meal worms, and bits of raw meat or hard boiled eggs. There must always be a dish of water in the cage ; if there is not plenty of water, mice will destroy each other. They should never be given cheese. CARE Mice need to be kept in a moderately warm room, and must always have plenty of soft material for their nests. The cage must be cleaned and scalded at least once or twice a week. REFERENCES Description of habits, American Animals, Stone and Cram. Squirrels and Other Fur-Bearers, John Burroughs. Wild Life in Orchard and Field, Ernest Ingersoll. "The White-footed Mouse," Familiar Wild Animals, W. J. Lottridge. "Tookhees," the "Fraid One," Secrets of the Woods, W. J. Long. "The Tunnel Runners," Neighbors Unknown, and "In the Deep of the Grass," in The Watchers of the Trails, C. G. D. Roberts. THE MOUSE'S PETITION Found in a trap where he had been confined all night Oh! hear a pensive prisoner's prayer, for Uberty that sighs; And never let thine heart be shut against the wretch's cries. For here forlorn and sad I sit, within the wiry grate; And tremble at the approaching morn, which brings impending fate. If e'er thy breast with freedom glow'd, and spiom'd a tyrant's chain, Let not thy strong oppressive force a free-born Mouse detain. by Anna Letitia Barbauld. 104 FANCY MICE It is difficult to believe that the Golden, Brown, and Black and Spotted fancy mice were really de- scended from our little gray house mouse, but this is a fact which has been dis- covered by scientists. It seems that the hairs in the fur of the house mouse contains black, chocolate and yellow pigments, arranged so that the base of the hair is black, the tip is yellow, while between it is barred with chocolate brown. Mice are likely to give birth now and then to pink-eyed, pure-white albino off- spring ; these have been selected and bred vmtil a race of albinos has been established, and thus we get our white mice as pets. By breeding these albinos with the house mice the colors in the coat of the latter have been separated, and some disappear altogether, and thus our fancy mice have been developed. The Golden Agouti has the same arrangement of pigment in the hairs as the house mouse, except that the yellow tips have been exaggerated so that this mouse is golden in color. The Sable is like the Agouti, except that its back is dark, and it is golden yellow underneath and at the sides. The Cinnamon has only the yellow and the chocolate pigments in the hair, the black being left out, while the Black has chocolate and black pigments, but no yellow, and the Fawn has yellow and black with the brown left out. The Red and Yellow varieties carry only the yellow pigment. The Chocolate carries only the brown 105 Mammals Fancy Mice pigment. In the following varieties these colors have become pale and diluted: Blue and Lilac have a diluted black pigment; the Silver has a diluted chocolate pigment, and the Cream has the yellow pigment diluted. The varieties mentioned above are solid colored, but there are also several varieties that carry several colors. The most noted of these are the Dutch marked, which have the eye-patches, ears and rear portion of the body in some solid color, the remainder of the body white; these are very pretty when the colors are black and white. Beside these there are the spotted varieties in all colors. HOUSE There are many varieties of cages for pet mice. Any box with a lid, and that has a floor area of twelve inches by six inches will do for a pair. One side of the box may have a wire screen or a glass, so that the pets may be observed. These cages often have a slit along the lower edge of one side which may be used in cleaning out the cage; a little scraper with a handle may be pushed through this slit for drawing out the soiled sawdust; of course such an open- ing must be closed by a strip of wood when not in use. Each cage should always be furnished with a mov- able nest box, this shotild be at least four inches square, with a hole in one side two inches in diameter, and should have a lid for convenience in cleaning which may be hooked down with wire while in use. This nest box may be attached to the side of the cage, or placed in one corner on the floor. However, it should be where it may be easily reached by the hand from above when the lid to the cage is raised, for the io6 Fancy Mice M animals mice are less likely to escape through an opening above than through a door at the side. CARE Mice are bom naked, blind and deaf, and are most helpless little creatures ; they mature in four months. When four weeks old the males and females should be separated and kept in separate cages. The females will live together usually without fighting, but the males fight to the death if kept together after they are mature. As soon as they begin to fight, they should be separated and put in different cages. Before she gives birth to her young the mother mouse should be put in a separate cage containing a nesting box eight inches square. The very young mice shotdd never be handled nor the nest be dis- turbed for at least eight days after their birth, else the mother may destroy them. She sometimes destroys them because of thirst, so she must be kept well supplied with fresh water. It is well to give her bread soaked in water every morning after the young are bom. FOOD Food of the simplest kind is best for fancy mice. Canary seeds, white millet and oats, a piece of stale bread or good dog biscuit soaked in skim milk, a m.orsel of apple or carrot in winter and grass heads or dandelion leaves in summer. If the mice are fed twice daily, give the cereals at night and the soft food in the morning. Sugar and salt are both apt to disagree with mice and a large amount of animal food makes them smelly. REFERENCE Fancy Mice, C. J. Davies, published by L. Upcott Gill, London. 107 JAPANESE WALTZING MICE 'HESE brown and white, piebald dancers are a source of amusement to all who watch them. Anatomists and physi- ologists have written long treatises up on why this mouse dances like a spinning top. But it does not matter much to us whether the dancing is caused by imperfect equilibritim through some defect of the ear or brain, or from some other cause, so long as our pets keep active and entertaining. It is supposed that these mice originated in India, from the common mouse of China and were introduced into Japan. There is a pretty legend that these mice lived in the cotton bolls of India in the long ago. Mrs. Cyrus R. Crosby has given to me the notes which she made upon the habits and care of her pair of pet waltzers. Although they are nocturnal in their habits, and begin their regular dancing after four o'clock in the afternoon, yet she found that some- times they came out in the morning or at noon and danced for a time. Once she tried to count how many times one of them whirled without stopping; the approximate number was two-htmdred and seventy-four. One day when taking the male out of the cage he bit his mistress, and in the scramble that ensued he jumped into the drinking dish as he returned to the cage. He was greatly disturbed and excited over getting wet ; for a time he danced faster than usual, then sat down and began to clean himself most violently; he scraped the water off his fur with his foot, and then licked his foot; he used both fore feet and hind feet for this process until he looked io8 J apanese Waltzing Mice Mammals very sleek. He was oblivious of everything else while cleaning himself, not paying the slightest attention to the fact that his mate in dancing was constantly switching his face with her tail. Later, the pair quarreled, and the female turned into a vixen, attacking her frightened spouse on all possible occasions, and driving him into the comers in a most heartless way. HOUSE Since these mice are very sensitive to drafts, their cage should be a wooden box with wire netting over one side. Mrs. Crosby has a circular cage of wire netting which has the advantage of giving a better view of the dancers, but she has to be very careful to keep the cage away from drafts. The floor should be covered with dry sand or sawdust. It is con- venient to put several layers of paper on the bottom of the cage, removing the soiled top one each day. The mice should be removed and the cage washed with an emulsion of kerosene and water once a week, drying it thoroughly before putting the mice back into it. In one corner of the cage there shotdd be a retiring nest; a wooden box two or three inches square with a hole in one side will do. This should be placed on the floor and not fastened up against the side of the cage as with fancy mice. Shredded tissue paper makes the best bedding for these delicate creatures. Cotton or other fibrous material is not suitable. A playhouse should be placed in the cage. This is made by taking a wooden box, without a cover, about three inches square, and two inches high. Cut holes one and a half inches wide down the sides of the box opposite each other. Invert this box in the 109 Mammals J apanes e Waltzing Mice middle of the cage, and the weird httle creatures will play in and out through the openings by the hour. FOOD Dry food should be given chiefly, such as canary seed, hemp seed, dry bread, crackers, force, or other cereals. Give for a change bread soaked in sweet milk. Every other day give a bit of lettuce or turnip or carrot. Fresh water should be put in the cage every day, for these mice are thirsty little creatures, and need pure water to keep them healthy. CARE The cage should be set where there are no drafts , and the temperature should not vary greatly from 60°. In general the care is very similar to that given to fancy mice. WALTZING MICE Little f otir-foot dervishes are they As they whirl and twirl — ■ It is not work and it is not play — 'Tis as if they just were built that way To twirl and whirl. They go so fast they make a blur As they whirl and twirl , Their very long tails and spotted fur Look like a wheel on a pivot awhirr As they twirl and whirl. Fri.nn Couiih-y Lifr in Amenn: A WHITE-FOOTlil) MOISE AT IIICR OWX DIJORWAY THE OPOSSUM HE only way we can under- stand why the opossum devel- oped a pouch in which to hide and carry her young, is to think of the enemies the ancient opos- sum families had to raeet; for the opossums appeared first during the Mesozoic period, the age of terrible reptiles. At that time there were various species of opossums scattered over all Europe and North America. Whether the reptiles ate them, pouches and all, and so destroyed them, we shall never know; but now the opossums have disappeared from all countries except South and Central America, and one species in the Southern United States ; and this species is certainly having a hard struggle for exist- ence because it is preyed upon by most wild animals that eat meat, and by one tame one, that eats a great deal of meat, i. e., man. Mr. Sharp says of our oposstun that "He is an eternal surprise. Either he is the most stupidly wise animal of the woods, or the most wisely stupid. He is a puzzle. Appar- ently his one unbiiried talent is heaviness. Job, the fat boy, was not a sounder, nor more constant sleeper, nor was his mental machinery any slower than the 'possum's. The little beast is utterly wanting in swiftness and weapons, his sole hope and defense being luck and indifference." The opossum builds its nest in hollow logs or stumps, or in hollows about the roots of trees. It Mammals The Opossum usually rents its house ready-made, not taking the trouble to dig it out, but makes a warm nest for itself when cold weather threatens, by carrying in dried grass and leaves rolled into bundles so as to be carried by the useful tail. It does not sleep all winter, but comes out often to visit hen-roosts, and even kitchens trying to find something to eat. The opossum has a most interesting form. Its tail is scaly, and acts as a third hand when the creature is climbing, since it can be twined around a branch and will hold the weight of the animal, which is thus enabled to swing from one tree to another. Its feet look very much like hands, and are made for grap- pling; but the most interesting thing about the opossum is the pocket in which the mother carries her babies, which are bom blind and naked, when not more than an inch long. With her teeth the little mother places each helpless mite in her pocket, where it clings to a teat; and here safe in the pouch the babies stay for about two months while they grow very rapidly. After a little they climb out and clamber around on the mother's back and anchor themselves by twisting their own tails about that of their parent ; but they rush back into the pouch when there are signs of danger. "Playing 'possum" is a common saying, and it refers to this creature's habit of acting as if it were dead when overcome by the enemy. It acts this part so well that it may be maltreated severely but wiU not give a sign to show that it is alive. But if it sees the enemy off guard for a moment it comes to life and disappears very suddenly. The young opossum, makes an interesting pet. It is sharp-witted and knowing, and is very fond of play. However, it does not become attached to •A ' *' 1? -^ > ,, . ^.