Part 2

It is this classification into families, by the use of Latin words, that makes the study of Natural History so difficult to many who are interested in our animal friends, but do not know just how to find out about them without first wading through quantities of long, hard names, that seem to have very little use, except to puzzle the reader. As one of these interested readers recently remarked while delving away at an encyclopedia to learn something of an animal in which he was especially interested: “I believe the writer of that article just used all those big words to show off, and try to make people believe he knows more than any one else.”

This does seem to be the case at times, but many of these hard Latin words are often really necessary to make us acquainted with particular kinds of animals and their families; and we will use only the absolutely necessary ones in this book, and master them together, with the different scientific terms explained and made easy to understand, even in the index. Then after mastering these general terms for dividing animals into families, the study of scientific works on Natural History will not be so difficult; for the animals are as carefully classified here, from the works of famous Naturalists, as in those larger volumes, although the Latin names are used only when it is necessary to distinguish different animals that are very much alike, or to divide them into families.

There is a very good reason for the hard words and sometimes whole sentences of unpronounceable Greek and Latin, often used to describe a single little animal—the Greek and Latin language is studied and understood by scholars of every other language. If the great Naturalist, Linnaeus, had written in Swedish or German, only a Swede or a German could have understood his meaning. To talk to a Spaniard or a Frenchman about a “River Horse,” giving its English name, would not give him any idea of the animal described, but call it a Hippopotamus (which is derived from two Greek words meaning horse and river,) and he would at once understand the nature of the animal.

It is the same with the classification of the different animals. The English and French and German Naturalists differ in their manner of arranging into families—according to the formation of the bodies of various animals, their manner of moving, what they eat, the number of their teeth, the shape of their feet, etc., but it was from the Latin and Greek terms that the names of these divisions were taken for all the different languages in which works of Natural History have been written. Take the first great division—the Mammalia—and it is found that the term is used by Naturalists in all languages, and that it comes from the Latin word mamma, meaning “the breast.” And we find that all animals grouped under this great class are fed on their mother’s milk while they are too small to eat the vegetable and animal food on which the father and mother live. This is very different from the birds who carry the same food that the father and mother eat (the worms and insects) and place it in the mouth of the baby bird; and the fowls who teach their little ones to scratch and pick up their food from the ground. And while the little ones of the birds and fishes and the smaller orders of creation develop rapidly and are soon able to take care of themselves, the babies of some of the larger animals are almost as helpless as human babies, and feed on their mother’s milk for many months before their teeth are well formed and they are strong enough for other food. We often see pictures of Lions and other fierce beasts tearing dead animals to pieces to feed their little ones, but this is only after their teeth begin to grow, and like the babies of the human family they are old enough to feed at the same table and eat the same kind of food as older members of the family.

Many do not realize what a great number of our animal friends belong to this great family of Mammals or Mammalia, from the Moles and the Bats to the huge Mastodons of past ages. Even some of the large water animals are included in it, like the Seals, the Whales and their numerous relatives—the Dolphins, Porpoises, Narwhals, etc. The latter are usually called fishes by those who do not understand this division into orders and families; they are not fishes, however, but belong to the Water Mammalia. And in dividing this book into Animals, Birds and Fishes, all these members of the Whale family will be found where they belong with the great family of Mammalia.

Then after classifying all Mammals both of land and water under the one great family, or order, the Latin terms help to sub-divide them into smaller families, more closely related, in such a manner that all the readers of different languages may understand the meaning of the words because of their Greek or Latin origin. Thus we know that a quadruped is a four footed animal because the term comes from the Latin words quatuor, four, and pes, pedis, a foot. And the term quadrumane comes from quatuor, four, and manus, a hand, which makes it easy to understand that all the animals classified under “Quadrumana” belong to the monkey family, who have four hands instead of four feet, with regular thumbs and fingers on the hind hands (which are usually known as feet) as well as on the front ones. Thus the word Quadrumana distinguishes this whole four-handed family from the Bimanes, or two-handed family, to which mankind belongs (making an order by itself) and the Quadrupeds, or the great four-footed family.

In the same manner the family to which the Horses belong are not only quadrupeds, but they have very thick skin. They are, therefore, classified under the term Pachydermata, made up of two Greek words meaning thick and skin. We often find many of the Mammalia arranged in orders, or large groups, before being divided and sub-divided into families and smaller groups. Thus the Dog family and the Cat family are both included under the order of Carnivora, or carnivorous quadrupeds, which is derived from the two Latin words caro, carnis, flesh, and vorare, to devour; and we know that the animals found under this order prefer a diet of flesh food, and devour other animals in their wild state.

Thus we might continue with explanations of terms, but it requires only a few such words and their derivations to make us understand how easy it is, after all, to keep in mind the main families and orders and groups under which all the different animals are classified. And we will soon become so well acquainted with our numerous animal friends in their native homes, and grouped in their proper families, that we can easily recognize many of the animals that must be crowded out of a book of this size. Because we know the meaning of the term used to describe a particular animal, we can place him in the family to which he belongs, and then understand something of his life and habits by comparing them with those of his well-known relatives.

Quadrumana—The Four-Handed Mammals.

WE will begin with the Monkey family in learning about our animal friends, because they resemble mankind more closely than any other animal. Although Darwin and other Naturalists have spent years of their lives in tracing the resemblances between the Human and the Monkey family we had much rather trace the points of difference, for it is not pleasant to claim a very close relationship to some of the hideous monsters who make their homes in the dense forests or distant countries.

Although the formation of the body, especially the skull, and the features, are more like ours, than are those of other animals, the first great point of difference is their four hands, those of the legs being formed the same as those of the arm, with thumbs and long flexible fingers, which enables them to climb trees quickly and swing from branch to branch with fearless activity, because they can grasp the limbs of the trees with any one of their four hands. Some of them also use their tails to assist them in climbing, and the Monkeys are sometimes classified under the “prehensile tailed” and the “non-prehensile” tailed according to whether the tails are formed for seizing or grasping the limbs of the trees. And there is still another family of tailless Monkeys.

But while many of the different Monkeys are very active in trees, in which they spend the greater part of their time, when in their native homes, this formation of hands instead of feet on their legs, makes them very awkward when standing erect or walking. Even in the most man-like Apes, these hands that serve as feet, are not placed at right angles to the legs, so as to come flat upon the ground like ours; but when the legs are extended, the soles nearly face each other, so that, when erect, the whole weight of the body rests upon the outer edge of the sole of this strange foot, or as it should be more properly called, the palm of the hand. In addition to this peculiarity, the legs are bent inwards to enable them firmly to grasp the boughs of the trees, and this makes them very awkward when trying to walk upright on the ground.

Their arms are also very much longer than ours, in proportion to the rest of the body, and in some families the fingers will almost touch the ground when the large animal is standing erect.

While the majority of the Monkey family have their faces covered with hair like the rest of the body, others have what are known as “naked faces,” with only a beard, or a fringe of whiskers about the chin and throat, and some of these are comically like a human face.

The great family of Quadrumana is divided in various ways by different Naturalists; but the easiest classification to keep in mind is the grouping of five distinct Orders, each made up of small families.

The first order—The Tailless Apes—includes the Gorilla, the Orang-Outang, and the Chimpanzee, and is called by some, Troglodytidae, from the Greek word troglodytes, meaning one who hides in caverns. Although this is a peculiarity of these Apes, this does not seem so good a classification as that given by another Naturalist who calls these the Anthropomorphous Monkeys because they so closely resemble the human species; the word Anthropomorphous comes from two Greek words meaning man and form, and signifies that which has the form of man.

The second order is the Simiadae—The Ape Monkeys—and the term comes from the Greek word simos, meaning flat-nosed; these have oblong heads and flat nostrils, and the same number of teeth as man, and many of them have cheek pouches in which they stow away food for future use. A few of the Simiadae are without tails, others have tails (of different lengths in the different families), but none of them have prehensile tails, that can be used to help them in climbing. All the different families belonging to this order are natives of the Old World, and the most of them are found in the forests and the mountainous districts of Western Africa.

The third order—Cebidae—includes the American Monkeys; and they are distinguished from the Monkeys of the Old World by having four more grinding teeth, making thirty-six in all instead of thirty-two. These American Monkeys have long tails and no cheek-pouches.

The fourth order—Lemuridae—includes the different Lemurs, and the word comes from Latin lemur, a sprite, a night-walker, so called from their habits of roaming about at night.

Some naturalists include in this order the Flying Cat, or Flying Lemur. Others make a distinct fifth order of this species. Although they resemble both a weasel and an ape, they have one peculiar formation that does not belong to either of these; the long slender limbs are connected by a broad, hairy membrane, which looks like a cloak when folded up, but which expands and gives the appearance of wings when the animal is springing from tree to tree.

Although each one of these orders contain many small families, until the different Monkeys seem numberless, yet they can all be classified in some one of these groups, and it is not so hard to remember the long names when we understand the meaning of the words from which they are derived.

THE GORILLA—THE STRONGEST APE.

The Gorillas live in the hottest parts of Western Africa, and as their home is so near the Equator they search out the loneliest and shadiest parts of the dense African forests, and whenever it is possible they keep near a running stream. It is called a nomadic animal because it seldom remains in one place many days together. The reason for this wandering life, is the difficulty it finds in procuring its favorite food, which is fruit, seeds, nuts, and banana leaves, the young shoots of this plant, and the juice, of which it sucks, and other vegetable substances.

Although the Gorilla likes to dwell among the trees, it does not find this necessary for its happiness, nor does it remain long on the trees like some other Monkeys who sit and sleep on the branches. In fact it is always found on the ground except when it climbs a tree to gather fruit or nuts, and it descends as soon as it has satisfied its hunger. These enormous animals would be incapable of jumping from branch to branch like the small Monkeys.

The young Gorillas occasionally sleep on trees for safety, but the adults rest seated on the ground, their backs against a log or tree, thus causing the hair on this part to be worn off.

The Gorilla belongs to the family of “Tailless Apes” and although it is not so large as the Orang-Outang—measuring about five feet in height—it is very strong. It is called the king of the forests which it inhabits because of this strength, which is said to be equal to that of the Lion. The Negroes of Africa never attack it except with firearms, and they are very proud when they can kill one, because this is very difficult.

The old Gorillas are not fond of company, and usually go about alone or in couples. The young Gorillas sometimes go about in groups of six or eight but never in great numbers. Their sense of hearing is very delicate, and on the approach of the hunter they hurry away with loud cries, so that it is difficult to get within gun-shot of them.

THE ORANG-OUTANG—THE WILD MAN OF THE WOODS.

This large and hideous species of the Monkey family is sometimes called the “Wild Man of the Woods.” These animals are somewhat rare, and limited to a small region. They live in the thick forests covering the low damp lands in the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. Very little is known of their habits in a wild state, as it is only by accident that they come out in open places, or where the country is inhabited.

When full grown the Orang measures from six to seven feet in height. His head is covered with a sort of mane of smooth hair of greyish black color, and his face is naked, with the exception of a tufted moustache on the upper lip, and a long thick beard. The nose is flat and the muzzle very prominent and it is not surprising that some of the inhabitants of these countries have many strange and superstitious beliefs concerning this hideous “Wild Man of the Woods.”

Although so little is known of these strange animals in their wild state, the habits of tame ones have been closely studied, as it is not difficult to capture them when very young, and they make very interesting pets while small. One of the most intelligent of these animals that has yet been known, was brought from Java by Dr. Abel Clark, and many interesting stories have been told about it.

At Java, this Monkey lived under a tamarind tree, near the Doctor’s dwelling. There it had made a bed, composed of small interlaced branches covered with leaves; on this it passed the greater portion of the time, looking out for the people who carried fruit, and, when they approached, descending to obtain a share.

When taken on board the vessel, it was secured by an iron chain to a ring-bolt; but it unfastened itself and ran away, when, finding the chain trailing behind, an encumbrance, it threw it over its shoulder. As it released itself in this manner several times, it was decided to allow it to go at large. It became very familiar with the sailors; it played with them, and knew how to escape when pursued, for it darted into inaccessible parts of the rigging.

“At first,” writes Doctor Abel Clark, “it usually slept on one of the upper yards, after enveloping itself in a sail. In making its bed it took the greatest care to remove everything that might disturb the smooth surface of the place on which it intended to lie. After satisfying its tastes in this part of its domestic arrangements, it lay down on its back, bringing the sail over the surface of its body. Frequently to torment it, I have beforehand taken possession of its bed. In such a case it would endeavor to pull the sail from beneath me, or try to expel me from its resting-place, and would not rest until it had succeeded. If the bed proved to be large enough for two, it slept quietly beside me. When all the sails were unfurled, it searched for some other couch, often stealing the sailors’ jackets which were hung out to dry, or robbing some hammock of bed-clothes.

“It willingly ate all kinds of meat, especially raw flesh. It was very fond of bread, but always preferred fruit when procurable. Its ordinary beverage at Java was water, but on board its drink was as varied as its food. Above everything it liked coffee and tea, but it also willingly took wine.

“One of the sailors was its special friend, and this man shared his meals with it. I must say, however, that the Orang-Outang sometimes stole from its benefactor. He taught it to eat with a spoon; and it might have been seen more than once, tasting its protector’s coffee, and affecting a serious air, a perfect caricature of human nature.”

THE CHIMPANZEE—THE MAN-LIKE APE.

Of all known Monkeys, the Chimpanzee in its habits, its motions and its intelligence, comes nearest to the human species. In the first place its arms are not so long as those of the other Monkeys described; they scarcely reach below the knee when the Chimpanzee is standing erect. And although it seldom wears a beard like the “Wild Man of the Woods,” its face and ears and the palms of its hands are entirely without hair, giving it a much more Human appearance; and in walking, its “hind-hands” are often planted quite firmly on the ground like our feet, instead of walking on the sides of them. When walking erect, it is fond of using a large stick to help support it, and this gives it a manly appearance of carrying a cane. Another favorite manner of walking is to bend down and touch its fingers to the ground, then by keeping the legs bent, it swings itself along by the means of its arms as by a pair of crutches.

The Chimpanzee inhabits the same regions as the Gorilla—the dense forests of Africa, and another point of resemblance is that the Chimpanzees live in small troops while they are young, and alone or in couples in adult life. But unlike the Gorillas they are great climbers and pass nearly all their time on trees, seeking the fruits which constitute their food.

There is a kind of Chimpanzee called by the natives “Nshiego-mbouve,” which builds a kind of leafy nest among the boughs of the loftiest trees. This nest is composed of small interlaced branches with a tight roof of leaves. It is fixed with firmly tied bands, and is generally from six to eight feet in diameter, and presents the form of a dome, an arrangement which readily throws off the rain.

The Nshiego is distinguished from the ordinary Chimpanzee, by the absence of hair on its head, and it is sometimes called the Bald Chimpanzee.

THE BABOONS—THE DOG-HEADED MONKEYS.

The Baboons and the Mandrills are sometimes placed in separate classes by Naturalists because of the difference in the length of their tails, but they both belong to the same family—the Cynocephali, which is derived from the words cyon, cynos, a dog, and cephale, a head, and means dog-headed.

In these creatures the teeth and the cheek-pouches, which are similar to those of the majority of the Monkey family, are combined with a long nose and the nostrils situated like those of a dog. The Baboons have longer tails than the Mandrills, and although their forms are very clumsy, they climb trees easily, and even display much agility when they are sporting among the branches; yet they seldom select the forest as their place of residence. They are found almost exclusively in Africa, although a single species is found in Asia.

The Baboon was known to the ancient Egyptians, on whose monuments it often appears, and as it symbolized the god Thoth, the inventor of the alphabet, it was held in great veneration in those days of long ago, and numerous mummies of this animal have been found in Egyptian burial places.

The Baboon prefers to walk on all fours like a quadruped, and instead of living in forests, they choose the mountainous districts, and rocky places covered with bushes and brush wood. They live in troops, and each troop takes possession of a certain district, which they defend against all intruders. If men approach, the alarm is instantly raised, the whole troop gather together, and endeavor both by their cries and their actions to drive them away. And if not successful in this they will attack such visitors with sticks, or throw stones and other missiles at them. Even firearms will not frighten the Baboons and a troop will not retreat until many are left dead upon the ground.

If a traveler is unfortunate enough to encounter one of these troops when alone, he is soon surrounded by numbers of the infuriated beasts, and literally torn to pieces. Rather than encounter such a death an Englishman once killed himself by leaping from a cliff, where he had been hemmed in by a multitude of these ferocious creatures.

Their canine teeth are almost as formidable as those of the Tiger, yet they are said to live entirely on vegetable diet, and to be so fond of fruit that they sometimes seriously destroy orchards and gardens.

It is usually during the night that they make their thieving excursions, and they take great care to ensure the success of their stealing. When the troop arrives at the scene of action, it divides into three companies, one enters the orchard or garden, while those of the second division place themselves as sentinels to give warning of the approach of danger, while a third division establishes itself in the rear and forms a long line extending from the other troops to their home in a neighboring mountain. When all these arrangements are completed, those who have broken into the orchard or garden throw the produce of their thieving to the nearest sentinels, who pass it on to those behind, and thus in a very short time it is handed along the line and stored in a safe place at the end, until there has been enough secured to make a feast for the entire troop. While thus engaged, if one of the sentinels raises a cry of alarm, the whole body will scamper off to their hiding places.

THE MANDRILLS—THE BRILLIANT MONKEYS.

The Mandrills are distinguished by their very short tails, and by deep wrinkles on each side of the nose which are often brilliantly colored. There are two species living in Western Africa which are known as the Mandrill and the Drill.

The Drill is very much like the Mandrill except that its face is completely black instead of being striped with color; and it also inhabits Guinea.