Curiosities & wonders > Catechism of zoology, or, Natural history of the animal kingdom

CATECHISM OF ZOOLOGY.
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bear. The brown bear is an inhabitant of mountain¬
ous countries, and is a savage, solitary animal. The
black bear is found in Canada, where its flesh is esteem¬
ed a luxury; and the great white bear, with his shaggy
coat, is found on the coast of Greenland.
Q. What kind of animal is the badger ?
A. The badger is about the size of a common dog,—
is a slovenly stupid animal, and is seldom seen out of
hishole, where he liestorpidduring the winter: he feeds
on snails and other small animals, and also on roots.
Q. What is the second division of carnivorous ani¬
mals called ?
A. They are called Digitigrade, or those which walk
principally on their toes, including the weasel, the
dog, wolf, fox; cat, lion, tiger, leopard. &c.
Q. What sort of animal is the weasel ?
A. The weasel is a small animal, with a slender
body, about seven inches long and one and a half
inches in height, and covered with a smooth brownish-
coloured fur ; its body is long and slender, and admi¬
rably adapted for entering narrow passages and holes,
where it procures rats and mice, which, together with
poultry, birds’ eggs, &c., form its natural food.
Q. Are there other similar animals of this divi¬
sion ?
A. Yes; the ferret, which is employed by rabbit-
catchers to go into holes and drive out the rabbits,—
the polecat, ermine, civet, skunk, and several others.
Q. What sort of animal is the ermine ?
A. The ermine resembles in size the weasel, and is
of a brown colour in summer, which changes to a pure
white in winter ; and its skin forms a valuable article of
dress.
Cains, or Dog Kind.
Q. What is the wild state of the dog ?
A. This is a very difficult question to answer, for
the dog is almost universally found as a domestic ani¬
mal, the companion of man ; yet the wolf, jackall, fox,
and dog, bear such a strong resemblance to each other.