In the late eighteenth century, the British took greater interest than ever before in observing and recording all aspects of the natural world. Travelers and colonists returning from far-flung lands provided dazzling accounts of such exotic creatures as elephants, baboons, and kangaroos. The engraver Thomas Bewick (1753–1828) harnessed this newfound interest by assembling the most comprehensive illustrated guide to nature of his day. A General History of Quadrupeds , first published in 1790, showcases Bewick’s groundbreaking engraving techniques that allowed text and images to be published on the same page. From anteaters to zebras, armadillos to wolverines, this delightful volume features engravings of over four hundred animals alongside descriptions of their characteristics as scientifically understood at the time. Quadrupeds reaffirms Bewick’s place in history as an incomparable illustrator, one whose influence on natural history and book printing still endures today. Thomas Bewick (1753–1828) was a master of book illustration and wood engraving from Newcastle upon Tyne, England. His many works include the History of British Birds . Yann Martel is the author of The Life of Pi and A Twentieth Century Shirt , the latter forthcoming in 2009. A General History of Quadrupeds The Figures Engraved on Wood By Thomas Bewick The University of Chicago Press Copyright © 2009 The University of Chicago Press All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-0-226-04480-4 Contents A, Adive, Agouti, Akouchi, Ai, An Amphibious Animal of New South Wales, Ant-eater, the Great, Antelope, the Common, Ape, the Pigmy, Armadillo, Ass, Axis, B, Baboon, Baboon, the Dog-faced, Babiroussa, Babr, Badger, Bat, Bear, the Brown, Beaver, Bison, Blue Goat, Boar, the Wild, Bucha, Buffalo, C, Callitrix, Camel, Cameleopard, Capibara, Caracal, Carcajou, Caribou, Cat, the Domestic, Cavy, the Restless, Chevrotain, Chinche, Civet, Coaita, Coati, Conepate, Corin, Couguar, Coquallin, Cow, D, Deer, Red, Dog, Dog, the Large Water-Spaniel, King Charles's, Dormouse, the Greater, Douc, Dromedary, E, Elephant, Elk, Elk Antelope, Ermine, Exquima, F, Ferret, Fitchet, Fossane, Foumart, Fox, Free Martin, G, Gazelles, Gemse-Bok, Genet, Giraffe, Gnu, Goat, Grunting Ox, Grys-Bok, Guanacos, Guinea Pig, Glutton, H, Hamster, Hare, Hart Beest, Hedge-Hog, Hippopotamus, Hog, Horse, Old English Road, Pony, Horse, the Improved Cart, Hyena, the Striped, I, Ibex, Ichneumon, Irbys, J, Jackal, Jaguar, Jerboa, K, Kabassou, Kanguroo, Kanguroo Rat, Kevel, Klip-Springer, Koba, Koedoe, L, Lama, Leming, Leopard, Lion, Lion-Ape, Loris, Louchu, Lynx, M, Macauco, the Yellow, Mangabey, Manis, Marapute, Margay, Marmot, Martin, Meminna, Mexican Hog, Mole, Monax, Monkey, the Hare-lipped, Monkey, the Red-tailed, Mouflon, or Musmon, Mouse, Mule, Musk, Musk-Bull, Musquash, or Little Beaver, Mustache, N, Nanguer, Nems, Nyl-Ghau, O, Ocelot, Ondatra, Opossum, Saragoy, Oran-Outang, Otter, Ounce, Ox, Orignal, P, Pacos, Panther, Patas, Peccary, Persian Savage, Phalanger, Pied Goat, Pigmy Ape, Polecat, Porcupine, Potto, R, Rabbit, Raccoon, Ram, Black-faced, Rat, Ratel, Ree-Bok, Rein-Deer, Rhinoceros, Roe-Buck, Ruminating Animals, S, Sable, Sagoin, Sajou, Saki, Saccawinkee, Sand Bear, Sapajou, Sarluc, Scaly Lizard, Sea-Horse, Seal, Serval, Sheep, Sheep, the Tartarian, Sifac, Skunk, Sloth, Souslik, Sow, of the Improved Breed, Springer, Squirrel, Stag, or Red-Deer, Steen-Bok, Stifling, or Squash, Stoat, Suricate, Syah-Gush, Swift Antelope, T, Talopoin, Talgoi, Tanrec, Tapiir, Tarsier, Tendrac, Tiger, U, Unau, Urns, or Wild Bull, Urchin, V, Vansire, W, Walrus, Wanderou, Weasel, Wolf, Wolverine, Wombach, Wood Goat, Z, Zebra, Zebu, Zemni, Zibit, Zizel, Zorilla, Notes, CHAPTER 1 THE HORSE. (Equus Caballus, Linnæus. — Le Cheval, Buffon.) THE various excellencies of this noble animal, the grandeur of his stature, the elegance and proportion of his parts, the beautiful smoothness of his skin, the variety and gracefulness of his motions, and, above all, his utility, entitle him to a precedence in the history of the brute creation. The Horse, in his domestic state, is generous, docile, spirited, and yet obedient; adapted to the various purposes of pleasure and convenience, he is equally serviceable in the draught, the field, or the race. There are few parts of the known world where the Horse is not produced; but if we would see him in the enjoyment of his native freedom, unsubdued by the restraints man has imposed upon him, we must look for him in the wild and extensive plains of Africa and Arabia, where he ranges without control in a state of entire independency. In those immense tracts, the wild Horses may be seen feeding together, in droves of fo