is an Abyssinnian pump about three feet high in the center of the
field, near my house, over a trough, which is, or ought to be, filled
daily. It was on a hot day, when my man had omitted to pump the trough
full, that the cow was first observed to help herself: the way in which
she managed to pump was by pushing the handle up with her head and then
forcing it down with her horns. Very little elevation of the handle is
required to get water, and she would work it for five minutes together,
and sometimes drank from the spout, and sometimes from the trough."

[Illustration]

CARRIER PIGEONS.

The carrier pigeon is remarkable for the degree in which it possesses
the instinct and power of returning from a distance to its accustomed
home. In Eastern countries it is the practice to bathe the pigeon's feet
in vinegar to keep them cool, and to prevent it from alighting in quest
of water, by which the letter might sustain injury. Pigeons intended for
this use must be brought from the place to which they are to return,
within a short period, and must be kept in the dark and without food for
at least eight hours before being let loose. The carrier pigeon was of
great service during the siege of Paris in 1871, and conveyed many
important messages. It goes through the air at the rate of thirty miles
an hour, but has been known to fly even faster.

[Illustration]

[Illustration: THE GOLDEN EAGLE.

THE STORK.

THE VIRGINIAN HORNED OWL.

THE CRANE.]

[Illustration: THE WHALE.

THE ELEPHANT.

THE WHITE RHINOCEROS.

THE HIPPOPOTAMUS, OR BEHEMOTH.]

THE SIASIN, OR ANTELOPE OF INDIA.

The Siasin, or Antelope of India, roams over the open and rocky plains
of that immense country. It is distinguished from the rest of its family
by the beauty and singular shape of its horns, which are annulated or
ringed, and spirally convoluted or curved together, making two or more
turns, according to the age of the animal. The fakirs and dervishes of
India, who are enjoined by their religion from carrying swords,
frequently wear at their girdles the polished horns of the siasin
instead of the usual military arm. This antelope is one of the
fleetest-footed of its family, and its leap is something wonderful. It
is not uncommon for it to vault to the height of twelve or thirteen
feet, passing over ten or twelve yards at a single bound. In color it is
almost black on the upper part of the body, and light-colored beneath.
When