Interesting anecdotes of the animal kingdom classified as to species

Preface

This volume consists of an extensive collection of interesting and instructive anecdotes of all the more prominent species of the animal kingdom. Here the author has gathered together in one volume, and in connected view, the best anecdotes which he could collect from authentic sources, or which have come under his own observation. As very much of the charm and attraction of natural history consists in the individual incidents and illustrations of instinct which it furnishes, there is presumably ample scope for a book devoted entirely to such narratives.

Many of the anecdotes here given are original, or derived from private sources. And of those selected, care has been taken that they should be well authenticated, and that they should, in reality, be worth repeating. As will be observed, the anecdotes are classified and arranged, and embrace all the more interesting varieties of the lower animals. From the comprehensive nature of the work, the author has been enabled to lay before the reader a store of anecdotes regarding animals more extensive than is to be found in any other single volume, and ventures to hope that the volume has strong claims of approval from the lovers of natural history, and of those who, looking from nature to nature’s God, acknowledge a sympathy with every creature that breathes.

Natural history is not only the most cultivating of sciences, but it is also the most humanizing. It is impossible to study the character and habits of the lower animals without imbibing

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an interest in their wants and feelings. These poor animals just look, and tremble, and give forth the very indications of suffering that we do. Theirs is the distinct cry of pain. They also put on the same aspect of terror on the demonstration of a menaced blow. They exhibit the same distortions of agony after the infliction of it. The bruise or the burn, or the fracture,

PREFACE .

or the deep incision, just affects them similarly to ourselves. They sicken, and they grow feeble with age, and finally they die just as we do. There is unmixed and unmitigated pain — the agonies of martyrdom, unalleviated by the hopes and sentiments granted to the higher race. And so, on the bed of pain, whereon the wounded animal lingers and expires, there is an unexplored depth and intensity of suffering which the poor dumb animal itself cannot tell. An untold and unknown amount of wretchedness, of which no articulate voice gives utterance, there is only the eloquence of silence or what is equivalent to it.

It is every one’s duty to cultivate a sense of kindness towards, and sympathy with, the brute creation; and in doing so there is the very highest reward, namely that of sincere gratitude. There is also opportunity for the development of man’s higher emotions. How delightful it is, for instance, to see the worn out hunter, not unfeelingly turned adrift like a useless old shoe, but allowed to graze and be still a household favourite. Or to see that the old and shaggy house-dog, that has ceased to be serviceable, is nevertheless sure of its regular meals and a decent funeral. Or in the warmth and comfort of the evening fire, to lind one of the lower animals taking its place in the living group, it serves to complete the picture of a blissful and happy family. In short, all such relationships with the inferior creatures tend to give to the heart of man some of its simplest and sweetest enjoyments, and to develope many of the noblest sentiments of his being.