flexible hoofs, and by the want of rumi- | nating stomachs. The name under which it is usually described by naturalists is that of the Tapir, but the appellation which we have given is the one used in South America. There are only two species yet known, one of which was lately discovered by M. Roulin. In color it is a very deep brown, and it sometimes has a stripe of black on both sides of the shoulder, like a mule. The mane is about six inches long in the adult, and is stiff like the bristles of the hog. It is covered with hair, but so thin and close that it is hardly distinguishable at a short distance. Its strength exceeds that of any known animal of its size, but it is harmless and inoffensive until attacked. It produces but one young one at a birth.

Mr. Bennet represents the Anta as ranging from the Isthmus of Darien to the Straits of Magellan. In this, however, we think he must be mistaken, for it is not found on the extensive plains or pampas .to the southward of Paraguay and Tucu

man.

The plains of Paraguay, as well as those of Buenos-Aires, contain immense numbers of OXEN, HORSES, and MULES. Even now, after forty years of continual war in the latter province, many persons possess herds containing thousands of them. The oxen are larger than ours, equal in height, but surpassing them in girth. The trade in hides, if ever opened to the world, must prove very profitable. They average now, according to size, from twenty-five to fifty cents apiece. Ox-hides are employed by the Paraguayans in making ropes, building fences and houses, making casks for the tea of Paraguay, (or yerba mate,) tobacco, sugar, flour, and many other things. We can recommend the hide hammock, most curiously made of the thinnest strips of raw-hide, as the most luxurious bed for a hot climate in the known world. HORSES are valued according to their color, but more particularly according to their paces. Though, of course, not equal to our thorough-bred horses, we should say the breed of horses in Paraguay was far superior to the average of our own. The story of the historian Robertson, that the horses of America have small bodies and no spirit, and that they are mere dwarfs and spectres in comparison with those of

Europe, is long since exploded. Horses are deemed fit for labor in Paraguay at thirty-five years of age; for, owing to the great number of them, they are never injured nor their lives shortened by hard work as with us. It is considered a disgrace to use a mare, or to cut your horse's tail. In these respects civilization might learn a little decency and humanity from the South Americans.

The MULES are larger than any that we know of, and of equal endurance. They are at present of more value than horses, and the time has been when Paraguay annually sent eighty thousand of them into Peru, where they were sold for from ten to fourteen dollars apiece.

A sufficient number of the FELINE are found in this region, but happily they are all of such a diminutive size, when compared with their more ferocious brethren of Asia and Africa, as to be little dangerous to man. The PUMA, or SOUTH AMERICAN LION, is found but seldom in Paraguay, though it is known to be an inhabitant of all parts of the continent, south of Canada. It is probably attracted to the pampas of Buenos-Aires by the greater number of cattle there. The BLACK PUMA, (Felis nigra, Griff.) is very ferocious, but scarce in Paraguay. Its skin is very valuable on account of its beautiful black color. It is about two feet ten inches long, excluding the tail, which is about thirteen inches more. The YAQUARUNDI of Azara is a native here also, and is found more frequently than any other of the Felina. It is an inhabitant of the deep recesses of the forest, and climbs trees to prey upon birds and monkeys, never attacking the larger quadrupeds unless when pressed by hunger. Its color is a deep gray, which is produced by each hair being ringed alternately by black and white. It is seldom seen more than four feet in length, including the tail. The EYRA of Azara is of a reddish brown, the length of the body being about twenty inches, and that of the tail eleven inches. It much resembles a little Puma.

The JAGUAR, or AMERICAN PAnther, next to the Tiger, is one of the strongest and most powerful of the Felinæ. In the spotted markings of its skin it rivals in beauty those of the species inhabiting the old world, and apparently fills the same

station in animal life. Two or three species of this animal are supposed to exist in Paraguay, the distinction being founded on the different markings of the skin. But if we adopt the classification of Cuvier, we may confidently assert that there are four species there of equal size and strength. These animals have been known to climb the smooth trunk of a tree forty or fifty feet in height, without branches. They are, when full-grown, seven feet long, the height at the shoulders being two feet two inches. The Jaguar commits great havoc among the herds of horses, and the swiftness of the courser is unavailing before one of these relentless foes. Oxen, sheep, mules, and asses, also form their favorite prey, and the depredations committed are sometimes very extensive. Humboldt says that their numbers are so prodigious that four thousand were killed yearly in the Spanish colonies, and two thousand skins exported annually from Buenos-Aires. They are taken by the lasso and the balls, (las bolas.) The latter weapon is one not commonly known. It is composed of three leather thongs, the end of each containing a round stone, bound in leather. One of these stones is smaller than the other two, and is intended to be held in the hand whilst swinging the weapon for its flight. A rotary motion is given to it, until each thong presents an extended appearance like a pole. Then, being thrown with great violence against the object of attack, it entwines itself around the legs of the victim, closing with such force as often to break them, but seldom failing to entangle the animal to such a degree as to preclude all possibility of escape. We have often seen both the lasso and the balls thrown at the distance of forty yards, with unerring accuracy. This animal, like many of his kind in South America, is in no wise particular about the selection of his food. We are informed by Humboldt that monkeys, turtles, fish, and eggs, are included by his omnivorous appetite. The turtles are as expertly taken from out their shell by his claws, as if it had been done by the art of man. He is also a successful fisher, and an excellent swimmer. In this recreation, the animal spouts white froth from its mouth, which, floating on the surface of the stream, is eagerly sought for by the hungry fishes,

and they are as eagerly tossed to the shore by his claws. The exceeding beauty and usefulness of the skin causes these animals to be sought after with great success, and their numbers have decreased greatly in

consequence.

The OUZA, the Felis uncia of Linnæus, is a species of the Felinæ but little known, and is a native of Paraguay. In the same category we are compelled to place the CHATE, or Felis mitis of Cuvier. They are both smaller than the Jaguar, but equally graceful and beautiful, possessing all the general characteristics of the diurnal cats.

The OCELOTS, considered as forming a subordinate group in the great family of the Felinæ, are of the middle size between the larger and smaller cats, and are of more slender and elegant proportions. They all belong to the New World, and number four varieties, all of which are found in Paraguay. They are the OCELOT, or Felis pardulis, LINKED OCELOT, or Felis Catenata, the LONG-TAILED OCELOT, or Felis macrourus, and the MARGAY, or Felis tigrina.

Of animals of the SHEEP and GOAT kind, Paraguay possesses her full variety. We regret, however, that we are unable to classify some of them according to any received system. For oftentimes it is impossible to tell, from our slight knowledge of them, whether they belong to the Sheep, Goat, or Deer kind, since they possess some characteristics nearly resembling all of these, while, in other respects, they are seemingly utterly distinct. Hence it is impossible to determine with precision to which class they belong. The tame sheep and goats differ in no respect from those known so well among ourselves, save that the former produce a much coarser kind of wool, which has become an important article of export from many parts of South America to this country. Of this wool our manufacturers make blankets, carpets, and other articles. We have no data concerning the introduction of the parent stock of these sheep, but must naturally presume that they have descended from the Spanish merino, which is so celebrated for its fine wool. We suppose, therefore, that either from a want of care in the breeding, or the difference of climate, or both, the fleece has thus deteriorated. Great quantities of this

We are inclined to differ somewhat from all authors who have written upon those varieties of the Sheep called Peruvian. Some able papers recently appeared in the "American Agriculturist" upon the Alpaca, imbodying more or less all the information of this genus hitherto obtained by naturalists. The author of these papers is "led to believe that there are at least three kinds of Peruvian Sheep, namely, the GUANACO, or Llama, the Paco, or Alpaca, and the Vicuna; which agrees with the classification of Baron Cuvier, who regards the Alpaca as a mere variety of the Llama, and who considers the Vicuna as the only animal of the group that deserves to be specially distinguished from the latter." Though these animals, strictly speaking, are natives of the more immediate regions of the Andes, yet they have been known in Paraguay since its earliest settlement. But two other species must be added to them, viz., the MACOMORO and TARUGA, which, though apparently belonging to the same family, do not seem as yet to have been noticed by naturalists. Though, doubtless, Baron Cuvier satisfied himself that the Vicuna, Alpaca, and Llama were but varieties of the same species, we are inclined to think that he was influenced in this decision by the fact, that the natives applied the name of Llama, or Sheep, to them all, as well as by the further circumstance that all these animals produce hybrids, which of course must introduce a large number of intermediate varieties. So, among ourselves, we have many kinds of sheep, of which the original stock, at this day, is utterly undistinguishable. But we know that sheep have been found alike in the African desert, and on the plains of Siberia, in Iceland, and in Persia, which, though in one sense varieties of the same species, in another were independent species, having alike an independent origin. Such we take to be the case with those of Peru, and consequently we may enumerate six different species, the HUANACHO, LLAMA, VICUNA, PACO, MACOмORO, and TARUGA.

It is to be observed here, that Paco is the native name which both Linnæus and Cuvier have taken the liberty to alter into Alpaca. These animals are known to be of a larger size upon the hilly parts of Paraguay, than upon the Andes. This fact should be interesting to our agriculturists, as we are aware that endeavors are now making to introduce them into our country. The hybrid race does not procreate, but is a far more beautiful animal than either parent, and produces a finer and heavier fleece. Experiments hitherto, however, have not demonstrated the benefit of breeding them, as they have lived in northern latitudes but a short time. The most certain return is to be found in the wool of the Vicuna, because the fleece is the finest and heaviest of any species of the sheep. The garments produced from it bear a silky appearance, and excel all others of the known world in beauty, comfort, and durability.

Among the ruminating animals of Paraguay, the DEER family deserve an important place. The GUAZAPITA, Guazupuco DEER, and the GUAZUTI DEER, are the three only species with which naturalists are as yet acquainted. They were first classified by Azara, since which time no further discoveries have been made concerning them. The Guazuti Deer group contains several other species, which are still in such obscurity as to render it uncertain whether they will rank as different animals, or only as varieties or different states of the same, according to the influence of the season or the color of their hair. The Subulo is another variety of the Deer family. Another species mentioned by Azara, and entering into this division, is the GUAZU-BIRA, the Bira-roe of Major Smith, and the cerous nemorivagus of Lichetenstein. These Deer are exceedingly fleet, and do not yield the palm of beauty to any known species or variety in the world. They are very plentiful in all parts of Paraguay.

Four different species of WILD Boars abound in the woods of this country, two of which contain upon the back a spongy glandular protuberance, filled with a white liquid like milk, and scented like musk. These are the COLLARED and WHITE-LIPPED PECCARY, two distinct species. It does not appear for what purpose this liquid is

thus secreted. It is exceedingly offensive | to most persons, and it is necessary to cut off the flesh containing it, immediately after death, to prevent the contamination of the remainder of the carcass. D'Azara, however, had an unaccountable partiality for it, and rates Buffon for calling its odor unsavory. We cannot agree with him. Of the peculiarities of the two other species we are ignorant. The Peccary is found in great numbers, and is esteemed good eating.

FOXES of three varieties are found in Paraguay, which do not differ materially in their color from our red, gray, and black species; and, what is more extraordinary still, they manifest a strong partiality for "good fat capon!" Among the blessings of this country of Paraguay, may also be enumerated one which is common to all parts of this continent, viz., a plentiful supply of the weasel kind, in the most fœtid of their representatives, the SKUNK! Dobrizhoffer says, this animal is called Zorri- | no by the Spaniards. He was so unfortunate as to experience, in his own person, the operation of its powers; and came to the conclusion that if Theophrastus, Paracelsus, and all the other chemists, had conspired together, with all their furnaces and skill in alchemy, they never could have composed a smell more intolerable than that which the Skunk exhales by nature. Spirit of hartshorn, or any more powerful odor, if there be such, might be called aromatic scents, frankincense, balm of Gilead, yea, the most fragrant roses and carnations, by him that has once smelt the Skunk! We are much amazed at the assertion of Goldsmith, that many planters among the Americans keep this animal tamed about their premises. Such an evident absurdity hardly needs contradiction. We may next mention the BISCACHA, which appears to be a kind of Ferret. They are extremely numerous, feeding upon rabbits, which overrun the whole country, and comprise some fifty varieties, of different color and markings.

We can safely say that to investigate the different species and varieties of the MONKEY TRIBE, which exist in South America, would require, in the present state of the country, the period of many lives, if not the lives themselves. The sub-family Platyrrhini of Geoffroy, con

tains already eight different species, comprising sixty-five varieties, all of which belong to tropical South America. These fill the woods with their discordant chatterings, until the unfortunate traveller, if he unluckily possesses an ear for harmony, becomes distracted with the noise. Only the northern part of Paraguay is afflicted with these pests, and this portion also fares less hardly than nearly all parts of Brazil. Many varieties of these monkeys are found within small ranges of three or four degrees of latitude, and seem to be restrained within bounds by rivers of any magnitude. In the thickly inhabited districts, we know of only three or four of the more harmless kinds.

But there is one species which deserves especial mention, called DIABLOS DEL MONTE, or devils of the mountain, and may be considered as the Ourang-outang of America. They are very hairy, and in walking, preserve the upright posture. Their footsteps are like those of a boy fourteen years old. They possess strength sufficient when attacked to tear a man in pieces, and should one be espied by them in the woods, he is sure to be compelled to stand on his defence. Moreover, they have the power of uttering a sound imitating the human voice in distress. Fortunately this monster inhabits only the deepest recesses of the forest, and is seen but seldom. One species of the SLOTH, called Ax, is frequent here. It has a tail, and three claws upon each foot, which are bent backwards: its appearance is ridiculous and disagreeable in every point of view.

Of the few Rodent animals that attain to any size in Paraguay, we may mention the PACAS, and several varieties of the AGOUTIS. These animals are most highly esteemed for the table, and might be usefully introduced into our rabbit warrens. COATIS also, of several species, are found here: the most common is the Nasua Narica, (F. Cuv.) or BROWN COATI. Naturalists mention but one species of squirrel as inhabiting this country, which M. Buffon calls the Coqualin. It is remarkable for the grace of its movements, and the beauty of its colors. It has, however, many companions of different varieties which are not yet described.

The ARMADILLO, or TATU, is found in great numbers in all the pampas of South

America. We have frequently caught them, and our next meal was always relished as a feast. Another singular creature is the TAMANDUA, or ANT-EATER, which destroys countless millions of his favorite prey. But this animal is fastidious in his tastes, and confines himself to the ants and eggs of a particular species, known among the Guaranis by the name of CUPIS. A small fissure serves him for a mouth, from whence he protrudes a tongue of twenty-five inches in length, and more slender than a goose-quill. He dips this tongue, coated with a strong glutinous substance, into an ant-hill, and when covered with his prey, he draws it back into his mouth, and swallows them instantly. But the strangest peculiarity of this animal, consists in the singular mode and the great rapidity by which he ejects from his mouth whatever particles of dirt may have adhered to his tongue, reserving only the ants for food.

The catalogue of amphibious animals in Paraguay is very extensive, and many belonging to it are entirely unknown to the writers of Natural History. Among the more familiar are ALLIGATORS, or CAYMANS, of two kinds, the red and the black; also, the CAPIBARA, OF WATER-HOG; OTTERS in great abundance; SEALS; IQUANOS, LIZARDS, besides frogs and toads of numerous varieties and variously developed musical talents. Then we have, in the language of the natives, the AGUARA, or waTER-DOGS; YAGUARO, or WATER-TIGERS; and RIVER-WOLVES, to which we add the Aò. The name of this dreadful beast signifies clothing in the Guarani language, for the Guaranis formerly wove garments from its wool. It resembles the mastiff in size, possesses singular ferocity, and equal swiftness, but no tail. Nor does it hesitate to attack man wherever he is encountered. Fortunately this beast is very scarce, and of late years has been rarely seen. The Water-dogs have the ears of an ass, with the head of a dog, and are of a timid and cowardly disposition, fleeing from mankind with instinctive dread. They roar with a loud voice at night, and are valued only for their extremely soft fur. The Watertiger is larger than the latter, and commits great depredations upon horses and cattle, by seizing and speedily disembowelling them as they are swimming across the riv

ers. The River-wolves include two varieties, a larger and a smaller. They are valuable only for their fur. The Seals are scarce, and probably have found their way up the river Parana from the mouth of the La Plata, where they are taken in great numbers.

Among some one of these unknown animals, we would be inclined to place, if we could, the MANATI. But this extraordinary creature stands alone. It is shaped somewhat like a seal in the head and body, having short and webbed fore-feet, or hands, but armed with four claws only. Its hinder parts are precisely those of a fish, and it wants even the vestiges of the bones which form the legs and feet in other amphibious animals. The largest of these are about twenty-six feet in length. The female brings forth but one at a time, and her breasts are placed like those of a woman. They have no teeth, nor voice, nor cry. Their internal conformation resembles very closely that of the horse, and they are entirely herbivorous. The fat of this animal has a fine smell and taste, and is much esteemed as an article of food. It is chiefly found in the large rivers of South America, often two thousand miles from the ocean; and may possibly be identical with the COW-FISH mentioned by Edwards, in the Voyage up the Amazon.

Having imperfectly accomplished this part of our work, let us betake ourselves to the more attractive and extensive, but still more unexplored department of Ornithology. As our design is simply to draw attention to that portion of the world which our subject comprises, in so far as we are able to delineate its surpassing beauty and spontaneous wealth, we must be excused for reiterating the assurance that we make no pretension to indite a scientific paper. We have already said that we shall be amply repaid if we succeed in displaying but a small portion of the exuberance which awaits the zeal of the natural philosopher in that glorious region. As far as seemed proper in our casual mention of the different animals already alluded to, we have hitherto, however, followed the comprehensive and simple classification of Goldsmith, as taken from Linnæus and Buffon, and this we shall continue to do in our enumeration of the BIRDS OF PARAGUAY,