22 
ANIMAL CURIOSITIES 
in reference to the species: “... all day 
long sounds its voice, resonant and low, like 
a succession of blows from a hammer; as if 
a company of gnomes were toiling far down 
underfoot, beating on their anvils, first with 
strong measured strokes, then with lighter 
and faster, and with a swing and rhythm as if 
the little men were beating in time to some 
rude chant unheard above the surface.” 
Also belonging to the rodent family is a 
small animal, about the size of a guinea-pig, 
variously known as the pica, tailless-hare, 
mouse-hare, calling-hare or piping-hare; the 
latter term being given to the creature because 
of the curious chirping or whistling sound it 
gives vent to when feeding. It is mainly 
nocturnal in habits, and during the daytime 
lies concealed within a burrow or else between 
the crevices of a rock. 
Few people can claim a very intimate 
acquaintance with the whales and their kindred, 
therefore it is not surprising to note that the 
majority of human beings are under the 
impression that these aquatic mammals are 
unable to utter any cry. Such, however, is 
not the case, for certain whales are endowed 
with the power to produce vocal sounds, while 
the dolphin is able to emit a low murmuring 
noise. 
