Stories about the Instinct of Animals, Their Characters, and Habits   By: Thomas Bingley

The illustration originally used as the frontispiece has been moved to the page to which it refers.

STORIES

ABOUT THE

INSTINCT OF ANIMALS,

THEIR CHARACTERS, AND HABITS.

BY THOMAS BINGLEY.

EMBELLISHED WITH ENGRAVINGS, FROM DRAWINGS BY T. LANDSEER.

[Illustration]

NEW YORK: C.S. FRANCIS & CO., 252 BROADWAY.

BOSTON: J.H. FRANCIS, 128 WASHINGTON STREET. 1851.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

Uncle Thomas resumes his Stories about the Instinct of Animals. Tells about the Horse, and of the Immense Herds which are to be found on the Plains of South America; of their Capture by means of the Lasso; the Arab and his Mare; the Gadshill Robber; the Benevolent Planter; the Lawyer Highwayman; as well as several other Curious Stories about the Intelligence, Affection, and Docility of the Horse Page 9

CHAPTER II.

Uncle Thomas tells about the Beaver, and the Singular Manner in which it constructs a Dam to confine the Waters of the River; and about the Hut which it builds for its Habitation. He tells also about the Curious Nests of the Sociable Grosbeak; and gives a Long and Entertaining Account of the White Ant of Africa; its Extraordinary Nest; and the Important Part which it acts in the Economy of Nature 29

CHAPTER III.

Uncle Thomas describes the Manner in which Wild Elephants are caught, and relates some Curious Stories of the Cunning, Affection, and Intelligence of the Elephant 54

CHAPTER IV.

Uncle Thomas introduces to the Notice of the Young Folks the Ettrick Shepherd's Stories about Sheep; and tells them some Interesting Stories about the Goat, and its Peculiarities 71

CHAPTER V.

Uncle Thomas relates some Very Remarkable Stories about the Cat; points out to the Boys the Connexion subsisting between the Domestic Cat and the Lion, Tiger, &c., and tells them some Stories about the Gentleness, as well as the Ferocity of these Animals 89

CHAPTER VI.

Uncle Thomas tells about the Tiger; its Ferocity and Power; and of the Curious Modes which are adopted for its Capture and Destruction. Also about the Puma or American Lion, and introduces some Hunting Scenes in North and South America, with other Interesting and Entertaining Adventures 123

CHAPTER VII.

Uncle Thomas tells about the Migrating Instinct of Animals. Of the House Swallow of England; and the Esculent Swallow, whose Nest is eaten by the Chinese. He tells also about the Passenger Pigeon of America; of the Myriads which are found in various parts of the United States; of the Land Crab and its Migrations, and of those of the Salmon and the Common Herring 144

CHAPTER VIII.

Uncle Thomas tells about the Baboons, and their Plundering Excursions to the Gardens at the of Good Hope, Calsoaep about Le Vaillant's Baboon, Kees, and his Peculiarities; the American Monkeys; and relates an Amusing Story about a Young Monkey deprived of its Mother, putting itself under the Fostering Care of a Wig Block 174

CHAPTER IX.

Uncle Thomas concludes Stories about Instinct with several Interesting Illustrations of the Affections of Animals, particularly of the Instinct of Maternal Affection, in the course of which he narrates the Story of the Cat and the Black Bird; the Squirrel's Nest; the Equestrian Friends; and points out the Beneficent Care of Providence in implanting in the Breasts of each of his Creatures the Instinct which is necessary for its Security and Protection 193

STORIES

ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE