ANIMALS THAT GNAW 



Elizabeth Museum ; the lower incisor had grown 

 over the nostrils of the animal, and the corresponding 

 upper one had curved round the outside of the chin. 

 The animal was, nevertheless, in good condition 

 when killed. 



Rodent animals are found all over the world, and 

 there are about 2000 kinds or species known. All 

 forms of life, from the lowest kinds of vegetation 

 up to and including Man, have checks placed upon 

 the undue increase of their kind. Man, by reason 

 of his rapidly evolving brain, has succeeded in over- 

 coming and rising superior to a number of the 

 forces which kept his primitive ancestors severely 

 in check. He has been successful in domesticating 

 and breeding many kinds of animals. These animals 

 are now fulfilling the mission which previously fell 

 to the lot of the Rodent tribes to perform, in 

 helping to keep plant life in check. Rodents, there- 

 fore, with but few exceptions, are not now of much 

 consequence in the economy of Nature. When 

 they dwell in the countries populated by Man they 

 invariably become a curse to him, by reason of 

 their vegetation-devouring propensities. They levy 

 a heavy toll on his crops, and attack his pasture 

 lands and plantations. 



It is consequently highly to Man's advantage to 

 know how to recognise friend from foe in the 

 lower animal world, and at the same time learn 

 not to be too hasty in his conclusions, for many 

 animals which are in the main beneficial and helpful 



VOL. iv 49 4 



