The Axis Deer is the earliest and best known by which we are surrounded, we are presented with | and M. Blainville, on the most trifling modifications an active principle, essential to the existence of life, in these particulars. It is necessary to observe these but injurious in its pure state, diluted by measure animals for several successive years, in order to and weight, with an inert fluid to the exact proportion distinguish with precision the characters which are which is most beneficial to animal existence. It is permanent from those which are of a temporary and perpetually consumed and perpetually renewed; but transitory kind. never exceeds or falls short of its determined quantity. This bland, tasteless, inodorous, invisible mix-species of the Indian group. In size, form, and the ture, in which we are perpetually immersed, and upon the maintenance of which our existence depends, by the mere approximation of its particles, in a manner to us mysterious, is capable of being converted into a poisonous, corrosive, suffocating red vapour, which would instantly destroy all organized matter. By approximating in other proportions, an intoxicating deleterious atmosphere would be produced; or compounds with other properties, but all destructive of life. Such affinities, it is clear, exist; but are happily restrained by the Great Legislator who framed the laws of nature. NATURAL HISTORY. THE AXIS DEER. Cervus Axia. Erxl. general distribution of its colours, it is extremely similar to the Fallow-Deer of Europe, with which it has frequently been compared. So close indeed is the resemblance, that it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between the females of the two races in their summer coat without a minute comparison. In the males the horns alone afford at the first glance a clear and unequivocal mark of distinction. These organs rise almost vertically from the head, take a slight curvature outwards, and turn a little forwards and inwards at their points. The lowermost antler or snag rises close to the base on the anterior surface, and is directed forwards and upwards; the upper takes its origin above the middle and from the inner side. The stems and their branches are perfectly cylindrical throughout, with a somewhat rugged and tubercular surface; and they never form the flattened and palmated expansions which distinguish those of the Fallow-Deer. To the observations of M. G. Cuvier in the Paris Menagerie we owe an extended comparison between the Axis and spotted individuals of the Fallow-Deer. In both, the colour of the back and sides is fawn spotted with white; a deep brown or blackish band occupies the middle line of the back; and an almost continuous white line passes along either side of the belly between the limbs. But the head, which in the Fallow-Deer is of a uniform grayish brown, is marked in the Axis by a broad dusky spot on the forehead, and a line of the same colour extending along the middle of the nose. The chin and throat of the Axis are pure white, while in the Fallow-Deer they are of nearly the same colour with the chest and under surface of the body, which are both of a grayish hue. The buttocks of the Fallow-Deer are occupied by a broad white patch, separated from the fawn of the back and sides by a black band; and the tail is black above and white beneath. In the Axis the buttocks are of the same colour with the adjacent parts, and the tail is tawny above and white beneath, with a narrow blackish border towards the tip. Far removed from the Rein-deer and other northern species of the genus in character and general Such are the principal differences in colour appearance, the Axis forms the type of a tribe of between the most nearly approximating individuals Deer, inhabiting the warmer climates of Eastern of the two species; but it is only during the summer Asia, and distinguished by the peculiar conformation that any similarity exists, for the Fallow-Deer changes of their horns. These appendages, in all the species in winter to a uniform brown, while the Axis retains of the Axis or Rusa tribe, are in their adult state its spotted livery throughout the year. In form the furnished with no more than two simple branches or most remarkable distinctions consist in the rather snags, the one originating from the stem near its base, larger size of the Axis; in the somewhat more elon and the other taking its rise considerably above the gated and pointed shape of its head; and in the su middle and forming with the continuation of the borbital fissures, which are of large size in the Falstem a kind of terminal bifurcation. The horns low-Deer, and are of little depth in the Indian species, themselves are either perfectly sessile, or elevated in which their place is strongly marked by a patch of only on short cylindrical processes. Notwithstand-reddish hairs. ing their simplicity and the general uniformity of The Axis appears to be common in India and the their character, they are subject to no little variation in the comparative size, length, and direction of their ramifications; and numerous species have been founded by authors, and in particular by M. Cuvier, larger islands of the Indian Archipelago, but is most abundant in Bengal and on the banks of the Ganges There can be little doubt that it is the animal mentioned by Pliny, under the name which was adopted from him by Belon, and employed for it by all sub- | sequent writers. Considerable numbers have been brought to England during the last century, and have thriven extremely well in the menageries, and occasionally in open parks, propagating freely in captivity. It is even stated, on the authority of Peter Collinson, that a mixed progeny has been obtained between them and the Fallow-Deer. They are singularly mild and quiet in their disposition; but their gentleness is not unmixed with timidity, which often degenerates into suspicion. Pennant observes that their sense of smell is so acute that, although fond of bread, which they readily take from the hands of visiters, they will not touch it if it have been previously blown upon; and M. F. Cuvier tells us that they will not even accept it, if it have been much handled. This extreme sensibility of smell and squeamishness of palate is not, however, we may remark, confined to the Axis, but is common to the whole of the Deer and of the Antelopes also. The following interesting account of the burrowing-owl is abridged from the splendid continuation of Wilson's " American Birds," By Charles Lucien Bonaparte.] Venerable ruins, crumbling under the influence of time and vicissitudes of season, are habitually associated with our recollections of the owl; or he is considered as the tenant of sombre forests, whose nocturnal gloom is rendered deeper and more awful by the harsh dissonance of his voice. In poetry he has long been regarded as the appropriate concomitant of darkness and horrour. But we are now to make the reader acquainted with an owl to which none of these associations can belong; a bird that so far from seeking refuge in the ruined habitations of man, fixes its residence within the earth; and instead of concealing itself in solitary recesses of the forest, delights to dwell on open plains, in company with animals remarkable for their social disposition, neat ness, and order. Instead of sailing heavily forth in the obscurity of the evening or morning twilight, and then retreating to mope away the intervening hours, our owl enjoys the broadest glare of the noon-tide sun, and flying rapidly along, searches for food or pleasure during the cheerful light of day. In the trans-Mississippian territories of the United States, the burrowing-owl resides exclusively in the villages of the marmot or prairie dog, whose excava tions are so commodious as to render it unnecessary that our bird should dig for himself, as he is said to do in other parts of the world, where no burrowing animals exist. These villages are very numerous, and variable in their extent, sometimes covering only a few acres, and at others spreading over the surface of the country for miles together. They are composed of slightly-elevated mounds, having the form of a truncated cone, about two feet in width at base, and seldom rising as high as eighteen inches above the surface of the soil. The entrance is placed either at the top or on the side, and the whole mound is beaten down externally, especially at the summit, resembling a much-used footpath. From the entrance, the passage into the mound de scends vertically for one or two feet, and is thence continued obliquely downwards, until it terminates in an apartment, within which the industrious marmot contracts, on the approach of the cold season, the comfortable cell for his winter's sleep. This cell, which is composed of fine dry grass, is globular in form, with an opening at top capable of admitting the finger; and the whole is so firmly compacted, that it might, without injury, be rolled over the floor. THE SEAL. In the natural history of seals there is very much that yet remains to be elucidated. This need not surprise us when we consider the ignorance which exists concerning mammalia much more within our reach than these marine animals. We have not, indeed, as Cuvier remarks, the means, except by deduction and analogy, of ascertaining the habits of these half-amphibious animals, while procuring their sustenance at the bottom of the sea; nor have we often the opportunity of watching them, in an efficient manner, in their favourite haunts, the isolated sterile rock, or the most retired and deserted strand. We are, however, acquainted with the physical structure of the animal, and possess some know. ledge of its character and habits. It is delightful, during fine weather, to see these lively little creatures sporting about the entrance of their burrows, which are always kept in the neatest repair, and are often inhabited by several individuals. When alarmed, they immediately take refuge in their subterranean chambers; or, if the dreaded danger be not immediately impending, they stand near the brink of the entrance, bravely barking and flourishing their tails, or else sit erect to reconnoitre the move-of which it is not necessary to enumerate. We ments of the enemy. In all the prairie-dog villages the burrowing-owl is seen moving briskly about, or else in small flocks scattered among the mounds, and at a distance it may be mistaken for the marmot itself when sitting erect. They manifest but little timidity, and allow themselves to be approached sufficiently close for shooting; but if alarmed, some or all of them soar away and settle down again at a short distance; if further disturbed, their flight is continued until they are no longer in view, or they descend into their dwellings, whence they are difficult to dislodge. The family of Phoca includes a considerable variety of species, the distinguishing characteristicks shall state the circumstances of structure and habit in which they all agree, unless otherwise mentioned. The form of the body of the seal bears a general resemblance to that of a fish. The short limbs are chiefly enveloped in the common integument, the part which appears externally serving the purpose of a fin or paddle. The hind feet are placed at the extremity of the body in the same direction with it, serving the purpose of a caudal fin; the fore feet also are adapted to swimming; and the toes in both the fore and hind feet are furnished with claws, and united by a membrane. Neither the thighs nor legs The burrows into which these owls have been seen of either the fore or hind extremities are visible, to descend, on the plains of the river Platte, where which gives an appearance of extreme shortness to they are most numerous, were evidently excavated the limbs. This occasions the animals to crawl on by the marmot, whence it has been inferred by Say, land with great awkwardness and seeming difficulty; that they were either common, though unfriendly but they move easily and gracefully in the water. residents of the same habitation, or that our owl was By means of their fore feet they can lay hold of the sole occupant of a burrow acquired by the right objects with sufficient firmness to drag themselves of conquest. The evidence of this was clearly pre-up shores, and even on shoals of ice, however slipsented by the ruinous condition of the burrows ten-pery they may be. Even on land they move with anted by the owl, which were frequently caved in, more quickness than their appearance would lead and their sides channelled by their rains, while the one to expect; so that it frequently happens that neat and well-preserved mansion of the marmot when they have been dangerously wounded, hunters showed the active care of a skilful and industrious are unable to overtake them before they get to the owner. We have no evidence that the owl and water's edge and throw themselves in. marmot habitually resort to one burrow; yet we are well assured by Pike, and others, that a common danger often drives them into the same excavation, where lizards and rattlesnakes also enter for concealment and safety. The owl observed by Viellot, in St. Domingo, digs itself a burrow two feet in depth, at the bottom of which its eggs are deposited on a bed of moss, herb-stalks, and dried roots. The tail is very short, and is placed between the hind feet. Some of the species are furnished with external ears, while others have only sinall auditory orifices. The eyes are large and prominent; and the nostrils open or close at the will of the animal. The upper lip is provided with strong whiskers, and the body is usually covered with hair. The internal structure of seals is similar to that of land quadruThe note of our bird is strikingly similar to the peds, and atmospherick respiration is therefore incry of the marmot, which sounds like cheh, cheh, pro-dispensable to their existence, though they are capanounced several times in rapid succession; and were ble of remaining under water a long time. In the it not that the burrowing-owls of the West Indies, arctick regions seals are sometimes found under the where no marmots exist, under the same sound, ice at the distance of many miles from open water; it might be inferred, that the marmot was the unintentional tutor to the young owl: this cry is only uttered as the bird begins its flight. The food of the bird we are describing appears to consist entirely of insects, as, on examination of its stomach, nothing but parts of their hard wing-cases were found. The figure of the burrowing-owl is copied from C. Bonaparte's work, in which a representation of this singular bird was first given. and they then form circular breathing holes, even though the ice should be several feet thick. These openings are kept clear; but the surface is allowed to freeze over partially, so as to conceal them effectually, except from very experienced eyes. Cuvier remarks that the nostrils of the seal are seldom opened except when it is desirous of expelling the air from its lungs, or introducing fresh air. They then assume a circular form. Respi ation in the seal is extremely unequal, and often performed after long intervals. There are generally from eight to ten seconds between each inspiration, and the operation is sometimes suspended for half a minute without apparent inconvenience. It would seem that the nostrils are habitually closed, and that the act of opening them is attended with some effort. The quantity of air, however, that enters the lungs must be considerable, to judge from the motion of the sides, and the air expelled at each respiration. The quantity of the air seems to compensate for the paucity of the inspirations; for few animals have more natural heat or a greater quantity of blood than the seal. The dental system varies considerably in the different species, and would seem to indicate a corresponding diversity in their habits; but the form of the teeth and jaws shows them to be mostly carnivorous, and their food appears to consist generally of fish, crabs, and sea-birds, which they are able to surprise while swimming. The mastication, at least in the common seal, goes no farther than to reduce the prey to such dimensions as may render it barely capable of passing the larynx and oesophagus. To produce this effect they generally confine themselves to pressing the prey between their teeth, not so as to divide it in pieces, but merely to contract it in size. Sometimes they will tear their prey with their claws; but they are more frequently observed to swallow it entire, even when apparently too large for their mouths. Thus they are frequently com pelled to raise their heads to facilitate the operation of deglutition, so that the weight of the aliments may contribute to make them slide into the œsophagus and stomach, and favour the efforts of the mus cles. Nature has facilitated this operation, not only by providing the animal with the means of distending excessively all the parts through which the aliment must pass, but has also supplied them abundantly with a viscous saliva, which fills the mouth to such a degree, that during deglutition it escapes in long threads; and this is also observed to take place even when the seal only perceives its prey. The females produce two or three young, generally in the winter season; continue to feed them for about a fortnight in the place where they were brought forth; and suckle them nearly in an upright position, resting on their hind legs. When the cubs have acquired sufficient strength to contend with the waves, the mother conducts them to the water, and teaches them to swim about in search of food. The attachment of seals to others of the same species, and especially to their own offspring, is highly interesting. When in danger, the safety of her cubs is, the chief object of attention with the mother, and even when badly wounded she is often known to succeed in carrying them off to sea in her mouth. The male parent, particularly of the ursine seal, seems to take scarcely less delight in the young than the mother. While basking in the sun upon whale oil is used; and the skins are extensively the shore, he eyes them with the greatest compla- employed by trunk-makers, saddlers, hatters, and cency, and expresses his satisfaction by licking and others. Expeditions are fitted out from Europe and kissing them as they sport and tumble about, and the United States for the sole purpose of catching engage in sham fights before him. Seals are inany seals. The Americans, in particular, annually visit years in attaining their full growth, and Buffon is in- the South Seas in search of these quadrupeds. A clined to believe that the duration of their lives" sealing" voyage, with them, sometimes lasts three often extends beyond a century. or more years, and the crews are exposed to very great hardships: they are often left in detachments upon small desert islands for months, for the purpose of hunting the animals to greater advantage; and years have sometimes elapsed before they have been able to obtain a release. All the species of seal live in herds, or families, more or less numerous, along the shores of the sea, and are fond of sunning themselves, and of sleeping upon the beaches, rocks, or ice-banks. When they do this in situations in which they are apprehensive of danger, instinct, or perhaps we should say experience, has taught them to take the precaution to post a sentinel to give an alarm when he observes any thing to excite apprehension; besides which, the common seal, while thus reposing, raises its head at frequent intervals, and looks around to observe that all is safe within its range of vision. In situations where they rarely experience disturbance, they sleep very profoundly and are easily surprised. In Iceland, and perhaps elsewhere, the seal has also a useful friend in the great sea-gull. In that country, the sportsmen, who are usually well acquainted with the haunts of the seal, raise up little bulwarks to conceal their approach, or wait for them behind a rock; the gull, however, understands these approaches, and frequently baffles all the precautions of the hunter by flying over his head and screaming close to the seal. If the latter does not take the alarm, the bird strikes him on the head, and as soon as he slips into the water seems perfectly conscious that he is no longer in danger. Fights sometimes occur between the different species, between different herds of the same species, and between some species and the bears. But seals are generally of a pacifick disposition: they avoid man when it is in their power to do so; but, when they have no other resource, defend themselves with a great deal of courage. They are in general very tenacious of life, and survive wounds which would kill most animals; but they are, on the other hand, much more easily despatched by blows on the head than most other quadrupeds. The size of the animal varies exceedingly in the different species. The full-grown bottle-nose seal measures from eleven to eighteen feet in length, and from seven to eleven in circumference; the length of the morse is from fifteen to eighteen feet, and that of the common seal is only from four to six feet. The flesh of some species is held in considerable estimation, while that of others is scarcely eatable, even by sailors long confined to salt food. The seals are still more important to the natives of the barbarous countries on whose shores they are most abundantly found than to Europeans. The following account of the uses of the animal to the Aleutian islanders, from Langsdorff's Voyage round the world, is very generally applicable in such circumstances. "The animal forms such an essential article to the subsistence of the Aleutians in a variety of ways, that it may be truly said they would not know how to live without it. Of its skin they make clothes, carpets, thongs, shoes, and many household utensils; nay, their canoes are made of a wooden skeleton with the skin of the sea-dog (the common seal) stretched over it. The flesh is eaten, and of the fat an oil is made, which, besides being used as an article of nourishment, serves to warm and light their huts. The œsophagus is used for making breeches and boots, and the large blown-up paunch serves as a vessel for storing up liquors of all kinds. Of the entrails are made garments to defend them against rain, and they also serve instead of glass to admit light into their habitations: the bristles of the beard are used, like ostrich feathers in Europe, as ornaments for the head; there is, consequently, no part of the animal that is not turned to some use." The hunting of seals is consequently prosecuted with great eagerness, and in various modes, by the Greenlanders, Finlanders, and others. The mode generally used by the former people is exhibited in our engraving. The Kamtschatkadales connect strong ideas of honour and glory with the hunting of the Maned seal. In the chase of a single animal they will expose themselves to the greatest dangers, wandering over the waves for days together without any other guide than precarious glimpses of the sun and moon; and he who kills the greatest number, either by blows of a long stick or with poisoned arrows, is regarded as the most heroick. As the adventurous sportsmen deem it disgraceful to leave any part of their game behind them, they sometimes overload their limber and crazy boats, and, disdaining to save their lives by relinquishing any portion of their highly-prized acquisitions, proudly perish with them in the waves. PROPER NAMES. Few quadrupeds are more extensively diffused, in the different species, than the seals. They in general seem to prefer cold climates, but there is scarcely any sea on the shores of which they are not found. The appearance of the common seal is quite familiar on the northern and western shores of Scotland. Though properly a marine animal, the seal is found in fresh water lakes, as those of Baikal, Ladoga, and Onega; but in such situations it is of an unusually small size, but so fat as to appear al-tal or bodily qualities. most a shapeless mass. Seals, indeed, become in general very fat. Their oil, as well as their skins, are important objects of commerce. The oil is pure, and adapted to all the purposes for which Proper names were originally significant of men Sometimes, also, they were made to serve as memorials of circumstances connected with the birth of a child. Perhaps the last instance was the only one where such a practice could be consistent |