78 SURVEY OF THE ZOOLOGY OF NORTH AMERICA. 



in Asia or Europe, and therefore belongs exclusively to 

 America. 



Of the feathered tribes, the larger number of individuals, 

 as might be supposed, are common to the northern portions of 

 the three continents. Among these are the golden eagle, the 

 white-headed or sea eagle, the osprey, the peregrine falcon, 

 the gyrfalcon, the merlin goshawk, the common buzzard, 

 rough-legged buzzard, hen-harrier, long-eared owl, short-eared 

 owl, gi^eat snowy owl, and Tengmalm's owl. Nearly all the 

 ducks and other swimming families, as might be expected, 

 are also identical, as they can make their way with ease 

 round the Circle, and find the same food and conditions of 

 life. The waders, however, are generally distinct from those 

 of Europe, as are the grouse inhabiting the same parallels of 

 latitude. Only one or two have been found in Europe, as 

 well as in America. 



We must now take a glance at the animals which are 

 distinctly American. In the first place, there are three bears 

 — the savage gTizzly of the Rocky Mountains ; the cunning 

 black bear ; and the bear of the Barren Grounds. The beaver 

 might take the first rank among American animals, for his 

 sagacity, if not for his size. Then comes the Canada otter ; 

 the vison or minx ; the clever little tree-loving raccoon ; the 

 American badger, differing from his European relative ; and 

 the pekan. There are several varieties of wolves, differing in 

 size and somewhat in habits, but all equally voracious. There 

 are several species of foxes, and no less than thirty of lem- 

 mings, marmots, and squirrels, all of which are to be found 

 within the more northern latitudes of the New World. There 

 are three hares — known as the American, the prame, and the 

 little chief hares — which range over the northern continent. 



