The Industries of Animals   By: Frédéric Houssay (1860-1920)

EDITED BY HAVELOCK ELLIS.

THE INDUSTRIES OF ANIMALS.

THE INDUSTRIES OF ANIMALS.

BY

FRÉDÉRIC HOUSSAY.

WITH 44 ILLUSTRATIONS.

LONDON: WALTER SCOTT, LTD., 24 WARWICK LANE, PATERNOSTER ROW.

1893.

NOTE.

The English edition of this book has been revised throughout and enlarged, with the author's co operation. Numerous bibliographical references have also been added. The illustrations, when not otherwise stated, are in most cases adapted from Brehm's Thierleben .

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTION

The naturalists of yesterday and the naturalists of to day Natural history and the natural sciences The theory of Evolution The chief industries of Man The chief industries of Animals Intelligence and instinct Instinctive actions originate in reflective actions The plan of study of the various industries.

CHAPTER II.

HUNTING FISHING WARS AND EXPEDITIONS

The Carnivora more skilful hunters than the Herbivora Different methods of hunting Hunting in ambush The baited ambush Hunting in the dwelling or in the burrow Coursing Struggles that terminate the hunt Hunting with projectiles Particular circumstances put to profit Methods for utilising the captured game War and brigandage Expeditions to acquire slaves Wars of the ants.

CHAPTER III.

METHODS OF DEFENCE

Flight Feint Resistance in common by social animals Sentinels.

CHAPTER IV.

PROVISIONS AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS

Provisions laid up for a short period Provisions laid up for a long period Animals who construct barns Physiological reserves Stages between physiological reserves and provisions Animals who submit food to special treatment in order to facilitate transport Care bestowed on harvested provisions Agricultural ants Gardening ants Domestic animals of ants Degrees of civilisation in the same species of ants Aphis pens and paddocks Slavery among ants.

CHAPTER V.

PROVISION FOR REARING THE YOUNG

The preservation of the individual and the preservation of the species Foods manufactured by the parents for their young Species which obtain for their larvæ foods manufactured by others Carcasses of animals stored up Provision of paralysed living animals The cause of the paralysis The sureness of instinct Similar cases in which the specific instinct is less powerful and individual initiative greater Genera less skilful in the art of paralysing victims.

CHAPTER VI.

DWELLINGS

Animals naturally provided with dwellings Animals who increase their natural protection by the addition of foreign bodies Animals who establish their home in the natural or artificial dwellings of others Classification of artificial shelters Hollowed dwellings Rudimentary burrows Carefully disposed burrows Burrows with barns adjoined Dwellings hollowed out in wood Woven dwellings Rudiments of this industry Dwellings formed of coarsely entangled materials Dwellings woven of flexible substances Dwellings woven with greater art The art of sewing among birds Modifications of dwellings according to season and climate Built dwellings Paper nests Gelatine nests Constructions built of earth Solitary masons Masons working in association Individual skill and reflection Dwellings built of hard materials united by mortar The dams of beavers.

CHAPTER VII.

THE DEFENCE AND SANITATION OF DWELLINGS

General precautions against possible danger Separation of females while brooding Hygienic measures of Bees Prudence of Bees Fortifications of Bees Precautions against inquisitiveness Lighting up the nests.

CHAPTER VIII.

CONCLUSION

Degree of perfection in industry independent of zoological superiority Mental faculties of the lower animals of like nature to Man's.

APPENDIX

INDEX

THE INDUSTRIES OF ANIMALS.

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTION.