DOM.

The purpose of the present volume is to exhibit a series of
well-authenticated anecdotes, calculated to illustrate the character
and habits of the more prominent species of the animal kingdom. The
plan of the work, of course, excludes full scientific descriptions; but
it has been thought that it may be more useful, as well as interesting,
to arrange the subjects according to the most approved system of
classification, and to indicate, briefly, the leading traits of the
several orders and genera.[1]

[1] For a more scientific account of the animal kingdom, the
reader is referred to "A Pictorial Natural History," &c.,
published by James Munroe & Co., Boston.

GENERAL CLASSIFICATION OF THE ANIMAL KINGDOM

FIRST GRAND DIVISION, VERTEBRATA, or back boned animals, having a bony
skeleton, and including four classes.

_Class_ I. MAMMALIA, or sucking animals; as, man; bats, monkeys, bears,
oxen, sheep, deer, and many other four-footed beasts; as well as seals,
walruses, whales, &c.

" II. AVES, birds of all kinds.

" III. REPTILIA, or reptiles; as, lizards, frogs, serpents, toads, &c.

" IV. PISCES, fishes generally.

SECOND GRAND DIVISION, INVERTEBRATA, or animals without a bony spine,
or a bony skeleton, and including three classes.

_Class_ I. MOLLUSCA, embracing pulpy animals mostly enclosed in shells;
as, the nautilus, oyster, clam, cuttle-fish, &c.

" II. ARTICULATA, or jointed animals; as, crabs, lobsters, spiders,
insects, leeches, earthworms, &c.

" III. RADIATA, branched or radiated animals; as, the star-fish,
tape-worm, coral insect, sea anemone, &c.

VERTEBRATA.

CLASS MAMMALIA.

The mammalia include not only man, the head of creation, but, generally,
those animals which have the most numerous and perfect faculties, the
most delicate perceptions, the most varied powers, and the highest
degrees of intelligence. All the species have a double heart; red, warm
blood; and a nervous system more fully developed than that of any other
animals. This class is divided into nine orders, under each of which we
shall notice some of the more remarkable species.

ORDER I.

BIMANA,

TWO-HANDED.

MAN.

Of this race there is one species, yet divided into many nations,
kingdoms, and tribes. These are all grouped under five races: 1. The
_Caucasian_, or white race, including the most highly civilized
nations; 2. The _Mongolian_, or yellow race, i