Produced by Markus Brenner, Julia Miller, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net Transcriber's Note: A number of typographical errors found in the original text have been maintained in this version. A list of these errors is found at the end of this book. The illustration originally used as the frontispiece has been moved to the page to which it refers. STORIES ABOUT THE INSTINCT OF ANIMALS, THEIR CHARACTERS, AND HABITS. BY THOMAS BINGLEY. EMBELLISHED WITH ENGRAVINGS, FROM DRAWINGS BY T. LANDSEER. [Illustration] NEW YORK: C.S. FRANCIS & CO., 252 BROADWAY. BOSTON: J.H. FRANCIS, 128 WASHINGTON STREET. 1851. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Uncle Thomas resumes his Stories about the Instinct of Animals.--Tells about the Horse, and of the Immense Herds which are to be found on the Plains of South America; of their Capture by means of the Lasso; the Arab and his Mare; the Gadshill Robber; the Benevolent Planter; the Lawyer-Highwayman; as well as several other Curious Stories about the Intelligence, Affection, and Docility of the Horse Page 9 CHAPTER II. Uncle Thomas tells about the Beaver, and the Singular Manner in which it constructs a Dam to confine the Waters of the River; and about the Hut which it builds for its Habitation. He tells also about the Curious Nests of the Sociable Grosbeak; and gives a Long and Entertaining Account of the White Ant of Africa; its Extraordinary Nest; and the Important Part which it acts in the Economy of Nature 29 CHAPTER III. Uncle Thomas describes the Manner in which Wild Elephants are caught, and relates some Curious Stories of the Cunning, Affection, and Intelligence of the Elephant 54 CHAPTER IV. Uncle Thomas introduces to the Notice of the Young Folks the Ettrick Shepherd's Stories about Sheep; and tells them some Interesting Stories about the Goat, and its Peculiarities 71 CHAPTER V. Uncle Thomas relates some Very Remarkable Stories about the Cat; points out to the Boys the Connexion subsisting between the Domestic Cat and the Lion, Tiger, &c., and tells them some Stories about the Gentleness, as well as the Ferocity of these Animals 89 CHAPTER VI. Uncle Thomas tells about the Tiger; its Ferocity and Power; and of the Curious Modes which are adopted for its Capture and Destruction.--Also about the Puma or American Lion, and introduces some Hunting Scenes in North and South America, with other Interesting and Entertaining Adventures 123 CHAPTER VII.