A PECULIAR ANIMAL.

Temuka Leader, Volume I, Issue 69, 14 August 1878, Page 3

A PECULIAR ANIMAL.

We live in an age of wonders. Every day almost new discoveries are N being made, cither in nature, science, or art; in the depths of the ocean, on the tops of the mountains, and in the starry heavens. Mighty changes and great discoveries are daily being made, while in explorations under the earth things new are continually being brought to light—things not previously known to man. In science we have the aerophone, the telephone, the microphone ; in art, the aerial ship and electric light. In the animal world there is also much that is new. Geologists tell ns of mam moth fossils, exceeding in bulk anything that had been previously known, while explorers in new countries tell us of meeting with men with horns and men with tails ; but the latest of all is the discovery of a peculiar animal whose habits and manner of life are different from those of any other animal yet discovered on the face of the earth. The efforts of naturalists to trace the relationship of this animal, and the statements they have made as to the result of their inquiries have caused a great sensation, not only in Europe, but also in the colonies. The greatest scientists differ as to its origin ; yet they all agree that it is a most peculiar animal. Its sagacity and instincts are most peculiar. It was first discovered in a garden, all alone and discontented. Its natural haunts are the woods, where they congregate in large numbers. Although naturally shy and retiring it is nevertheless often met with, near the habitations of man. Some of them are very fond of the intoxicating juices of certain berries, and often run into great danger to obtain it. They become exceedingly tame when congregated together to partake of this particular beverage, and on these occasions they are fond of making a display of themselves. Some of them have much hair about the face and ears, and may he seen taking great pains in dressing this appendage, as if were a necessity for their health. They arc seen to the best advantage between the hours of sunset sunrise. At sunset they may bo seen coining along the paths in twos ami threes, afterwards congregating in some place where there is a good fire. On these occasions few of the females of the tribe are to be seen, mi other occasions they may ha seen in the company of females in great numbers. Both sexes appear to have a great liking for music, which has a most peculiar effect upon them, causing them to get very excited. They then approach one another with the greatest familiarity, laying their fore paws upon each other and Imggi g and whirling about in a most extraordinary manner At other times they hop about alone on one leg, flinging the other about in the most fantastic fashion. Sometimes they fling both legs about as if they wished to be rid of them altogether. This goes on for some hours, until they are exhausted, then the herd breaks up, when another peculiarity presents itself. The males, after disengaging themselves from the embrace of the females, begin to disperse, and may be seen going along the paths singly to their dens, where they conch down in their lairs alone for the rest of the night. This peculiar way of living goes on year after year with them, until at length, at the end of a most unnatural life they die a most miserable death, uncared for or nnregretted.

The females are also remarkable for their peculiarities. When young they generally take up mostly with their dams, not accompany them in their rambles. The dams are very watchful of their young cubs, seldom leaving them alone for any length of time. When jmuug they are generally very pretty and showy, often appearing in all the colors of the rainbow. They can spread out their tails to an extraordinary length, and strut about the trades as proud as a swei thearting pigeon. Their muzzles are generally of a pinkish color, and their heads are surmounted by a flowing crest or mane, which they spread' out behind them like a peacock’s tail. At other times they coil it over their heads to increase their height. ‘ They are generally very shy and timid, seldom venturing abroad alone after dark. They emit very sweet musical sounds, which the males seem to understand, for no sooner are these heard than they flock together in herds to the place from whence these sounds proceed, and again get excited to a great degree, stamping with their hind paws on the ground and clapping their fore paws noisily together, These noises seem to please the females, who repeat their musical performance with greater vehemence than before. This over, the males again betake themselves to their ■former haunts for the night. Sometimes they make a barking noise in their sleep, as if they were still under the influence of the enchanting music of the females. Another, and the last peculiarity which wo will notice of this animal, is that a male sometimes takes a fancy to one of the females and is often seen in her company, but want of courage prevents his offering to relieve the dam of her charge. This often provokes the old dam, who gets into a great rage. Quarrels generally issue, when some old' shiny-pated male conies to the rescue and frightens the young male, who generally submits to be ruled by his greater sagacity and wisdom. This old sire, having had considerable experience in these matters, commonly ends the affair by giving the female to the male for all time, thus putting an end to their unnatural life. The origin of this peculiar animal is still doubtful, some asserting that be sprang from fhe monkey, others from an insect, others from nothing at all, while some think he belongs to the B.A. clasr.