THE OPOSSUM. Why does the female opossum carry pouch on the belly? her young in a Because the teats are placed at the bottom of this pouch. The young ones are born small beyond all proportion, like imperfect abortions. Being carried in this pouch, and nourished by the mother's milk, until mature, and more perfectly formed, they are, as it were, born for the second time. - Blumenbach. THE SKUNK. Why is the skunk so called? Because of the insupportable stink, which it, like several other species of this genus, emits when enraged. Blumenbach. THE ICHNEUMON. Why is the ichneumon so serviceable in Egypt? Because it destroys the eggs of the crocodile, and also serpents. THE WEASEL. Why was it said that the weasel produced her young in the mouth? Because the mother often carries the young ones in her mouth. — Blumenbach. THE PINE-MARTEN. Why is the pine-marten valued for its skin? Because its beautiful fur comes nearest to that of the sable. BEARS. Why has the polar bear a firm footing on the ice? Because the soles of his feet are almost entirely clothed with long hair. Why are polar bears sometimes met with in the winter months? Because, not having accumulated sufficient fat for their winter sustenance, they are compelled to shift for themselves during the usual period of torpor. Why does the male polar bear retire to his winterquarters with less regularity than the female? Because in the females this retreat is essential to the preservation and security of their offspring. Why are the female bears more ferocious on emerging from their winter-quarters than at any other season? Because of their extreme leanness, and the crav ings of their own appetites, combined with the necessity of providing for their young. Why is it said that no man, either Christian or Indian, ever killed an American she-bear with young? Because the pregnant females always conceal themselves. After numerous enquiries among the Indians of Hudson's Bay,' says Dr Richardson, 'only one was found who had killed a pregnant bear.' Why is the flesh of some bears tainted and unfit for use ? Because they have fed much upon fish; otherwise they are reckoned very good eating. Their tongues and paws are considered the most delicate parts, and the hamns made from them are said to be not inferior to those of Westphalia. Why do bears live through the winter without food? Because they absorb the fat accumulated in the course of the summer, from the setting in of the cold season until the return of spring. Why does the honey bear attack bees with impunity? Because it has a shaggy fur, with an uncommonly thick and lax skin, by which it is defended alike from the stings of bees and the teeth of dogs. Why are bears said to hug their enemies? Because, when irritated, they usually raise themselves upon their hind feet, and endeavour to engage 1 and squeeze their opponent between their fore-legs, which are excessively powerful. DOGS. Why is the dog less carnivorous than the cat-tribe? Because the cheek teeth are less adapted for tearing flesh, and the tongue is smooth. Why do the dog and the elephant approach nearer than any other quadrupeds to the perfection of man? Because of the following peculiarities: the dog is the only animal that dreams; and he and the elephant the only animals that understand looks; the elephant is the only animal that, besides man, feels ennui; the dog, the only quadruped that has been brought to speak. Leibnitz bears witness to a hound, in Saxony, that could speak distinctly thirty words. Why does the domestic dog differ from other varieties? Because it has the tail curved upwards. Whenever there is white on any part of its tail, the tip is invariably white. Why is the dog so attached to man, while almost every other quadruped fears man as its most formidable enemy? Because this particular species of animal feels a natural desire to be useful to man, and, from spontaneous impulse, attaches itself to him. Were it because we train the dog to our use, and have made choice of him in preference to other animals, we should see, in various countries, an equal familiarity with various other quadrupeds; but everywhere the dog only takes delight in associating with us, and is even jealous that our attention should be bestowed on him alone; it is he who knows us personally, watches for us, and warns us of danger. Cuvier. Why is the dog the most complete, the most remarkable, and the most useful conquest ever made by man Because every species has become our property |