64 SCIENTIFIC ILLUSTRATIONS [Cow 



which denotes an extraordinary amount of intelligence, consists 

 in simulating death when surprised by the hunters and there is 

 no hope of safety by flight. It may then be handled, kicked 

 about in every direction, even lifted by the tail, hung up in the 

 air, or carried thrown over one's shoulder, without showing 

 the slightest sign of vitality. But as soon as released and 

 opportunity for escape offers, it will decamp with all haste, to 

 the great amazement of those so cleverly duped. M. 



The Tactics of Cowardice. 



Cowards are like cats. Cats always take their prey by spring- 

 ing suddenly upon it from some concealed station, and if they 

 miss their aim in the first attack, rarely follow it up. They 

 are all accordingly cowardly, sneaking animals, and never will- 

 ingly face their enemy unless brought to bay or wounded, trust- 

 ing always to their power of surprising their victims by the 

 aid of their stealthy and noiseless movements. ND. 



The Insolence of Cowards. 



In North America there exists a very curious -species of 

 rodents, belonging to the sub-genus Spermophilus or Spermalo- 

 pliilus, that is grain-eaters. They are better known by the 

 hunter's name, prairie-dogs. The Hon. C. A. Murray, in his 

 Travels in North America, remarks that their number is incred- 

 ible, and their cities (for they deserve no less a name) full of 

 activity and bustle. They seem on the approach of danger 

 always to retire to their own homes ; but their great delight 

 apparently consists in braving it with the usual insolence of 

 cowardice when secure from punishment ; for as you approach 

 they wag their little tails, elevate their heads, and chatter at 

 you like a monkey, louder and louder the nearer you come; 

 but no sooner is the hand raised to any missile, whether gun, 

 arrow, stick or stone, than they pop into the hole with a 

 rapidity only equalled by that sudden disappearance of Punch 

 with which when children we have been so much delighted in 

 the streets and squares of London. D. 



