[169] _Canis latrans_, a distinction to which its noisiness emphatically entitles it. Clavigero says of this animal: "El _coyotl_, _ó coyote_, como dicen los Españoles, es una fiera semejante al lobo en la voracidad, á la zorra en la astucia, al perro en la forma, y en otras propiedades al _adive_, ó _chacal_; por lo que algunos escritores Megicanos lo han numerado entre varias de aquellas especias; pero es indudable que se diferencia de todas ellas," etc.--_Hist. Ant. de Még. Tom. I. p. 40._ A similar propensity is observable among us to refer nearly all American animals to European species, whereas but very few that are legitimately indigenous to this continent, agree in every particular to those of the Old World. It would surely have contributed to the copiousness and euphony of the language, as well as to perspicuity in the distinction of species, had we, like the Mexicans, retained the Indian names of our indigenous animals.--GREGG. [170] Mr. Irving furnishes the following dimensions of a male of this species: "From the nose to the base of the tail, five feet; length of the tail, four inches; girth of the body, four feet; height, three feet eight inches," &c.--_Rocky Mts., Vol. I., p._ 48.--GREGG. [171] This has been called the _Coquimbo owl_. Its note, whether natural or imitative, much resembles that of the prairie dog.--GREGG. [172] Though I never saw it tried, it has been said that snakes will not crawl over a hair-rope stretched upon the ground, and that consequently these form good barriers to keep these reptiles out of a bed.--GREGG. [173] Orbicular lizard, as it has been technically denominated. It would seem a species of chameleon, having apparently some, though very little, variability of color.--GREGG. CHAPTER XXVIII {XII} ABORIGINES OF AMERICA Indian Cosmogony -- Traditions of Origin -- Identity of Religious Notions -- Adoration of the Sun -- Shawnee Faith -- Anecdote of Tecumseh -- Legendary Traditions -- Missionaries, and Success of the Catholics -- The Indian's Heaven -- Burial Customs -- Ancient Accounts -- Depositing the Dead on Scaffolds -- Superstition and Witchcraft -- Indian Philosophy -- Polygamy and other Matrimonial Affairs -- Abhorrence of Incest -- Difference in Character -- Indian Hospitality -- Traits of the Ancient Asiatics -- Names -- Relationship of Different Tribes -- Dreadful Decrease of the Indians.