THE ANIMAL KINGDOM. 11 



differ from inorganic ? From what do animals derive their nourishment ? 

 Of what do vegetables principally consist ? From what do they derive their 

 nourishment ? What is necessary to distinguish one being from another ? 

 How do you proceed in classifying objects? What is a genus? What 

 is a species ? Of what are orders and classes formed ? What is the defi- 

 nition of genus and species at the bottom of the chart on the left hand ? 

 What are minuter differences called ? Answer. Varieties. What does a 

 generic name signify or comprehend ? Ans. It comprehends all the species ; 

 C'anis, for example, is the generic name of animals of the Dog kind, includ- 

 ing the Fox (Canis Vulpes,) the Wolf (C. Lupus,} the Jackal (C. aureus,) 

 and the domestic Dog (C. familiaris.} How are generic terms printed on 

 the chart ? Ans. Always larger than the common name by which the ani- 

 mal is known, and commencing with a capital letter. How do you distin- 

 guish the specific from the generic name ? Ans. It follows the generic 

 term in letters of the same size, and should not commence with a capital, 

 unless it is derived from some person or place, or is sometimes used in a 

 generic sense. Why is the name of the species often omitted on the chart ? 

 Ans. For want of room, and fear of confusing the student by crowding too 

 much in a small space. How are the families distinguished on the chart ? 

 Ans. By their terminating in idae, as mustelidae for the Weasel Tribe, or 

 Family. How can you distinguish the orders ? Ans. They are printed in 

 CAPITALS, and the number of orders is mentioned on the branch, as in 

 the Ungidata, or hoofed Mammals. Are there any other divisions or dis- 

 tinctions on the chart? Ans. Several, as among the cud chewing some 

 have solid horns, some are hollow, and some are entirely without horns ; 

 some shed them annually as in the deer, in others they are permanent, as 

 in the ox or sheep. Some birds are terrestrial, others aquatic ; some 

 insects and reptiles are venomous (poisonous ;) others are non-venomous, or 

 harmless. Wherever there is room, you will find these things noticed 

 on the branches, or as near the classes, orders or figures as practicable. 

 Dots are often added to make the connection or relation still plainer ; and 

 where there is but small space allotted to explanation or figures, the defi- 

 ciency will be remedied as we proceed. How many ranks, or grades of 

 groups does Swainson enumerate ? Ans. Nine, commencing with the high- 

 est, and terminating with the lowest assemblages. 1. Kingdom; 2. Sub- 

 kingdom; 3. Class; 4. Order; 5. Tribe; 6. Family; 7. Sub-family; 8. 

 Genus; 9. Sub-genus. Name the four great Classes, or Sub-Kingdoms 

 from the chart. 



SECTION II. 



THE ANIMAL KINGDOM. 



THE system of Zoology places MAN at the head of this King, 

 dom. As he is endowed with intellectual and moral faculties, 

 and fitted for responsible action, there is room for doubt whether, 

 in his pre-eminence, he should have a place among the tribes of 

 animals. But as his being is compound, he becomes the con- 

 necting link between them and beings purely spiritual. To the 

 former he is allied by his bodily frame with its appetites and 

 passions ; to the latter by his reason and mental susceptibilities. 

 INSTINCT distinguishes the lower animals truly wonderful in 



