A Handbook of the Mammals of India: A Natural History of all the Animals Known to Inhabit Indian Sub-continent (An Old and Rare Book)

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In this volume the author has recorded the results of his minute observations of a vast variety of vertebrates, classed as mammals - the carefree denizens of the dense forests and woodlands which clothed the hills, the plains and the mountains of India nearly a century ago. Mammals are warm-blooded, viviparous animals and are distinguished from birds as well as from the other vertebrated animals, by the possession of mammary glands, secreting a nutritious fluid called milk for the nourishment of their young and terminating outwardly in all (except one or two) by teats. They are also distinguished by a covering of hair, entire or partial. Mammals require to be placed first because they enjoy the most numerous faculties, the most delicate sensations, the most varied powers of motion.

In mammals the organs of senses are highly specialised and in a great state of perfection.

The author who was a keen naturalist and a hunter, has recorded his observations after a deep and minute study of the nature, habits and instincts of more than 250 species.

The book describes a complete natural history of mammals of India. He has been able to give considerable information on the habitat and geographical distribution of numerous animals which was previously unknown. The book will prove an asset not only to the zoologists and naturalists but also to keen observers and lovers of animals.

T C J(1811- 1872) son of Archibald Jerdon, joined the medical service in Madras, 1835; retired 1864, and died June 12, 1872. He is best known as a zoolist, by his Illustrations of Indian Ornithology, 1844; Birds of India, 1862-4; Mammals of India, 1867, which are standard works of reference to this day.

THE present work is the second of the series of Manuals of the Vertebrata of India. The greater portion of it has been printed for above a twelvemonth, but the publication was delayed in the hopes of getting some additional information to be inserted in the Appendix.

The author trusts that the present Manual will be found equally useful as that on the Birds of India, and he knows that many sportsmen and observers have been anxiously awaiting its appearance. He has been able to give considerable information on the habitat and geographical distribution of many of the animals, which was previously but little known. The portion of the work on the Micro-Mammalia of India is still confessedly very imperfect, and contributions of good specimens (in spirits) of Bats, Shrews, Rats, and Mice, from all parts of the country, but especially from the hills, sent either to the Museum at Calcutta, or to the British Museum, will be highly acceptable.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages