[Note 46] p. 185.—Spitting poison.
The poison of a snake is contained in the secretion of a specialized salivary gland. The compression of this venom gland propels the fluid along a duct which leads to the groove or canal of the fang. Infection with the venom only occurs when, by more or less of a bite, the poison is injected into the victim. No spitting of poison is known, nor would it have effect without a wound.
[Note 47] p. 186.—The Gecko.
Figures and a brief description of the gecko’s clinging foot will be found in Semper’s well-known Animal Life (International Science Series, 1881). The clinging power is due to numerous long bristle-like hairs on the sole of the foot. These appear to be modifications of the “casting-hairs” which are used in “skin-casting”.
[Note 48] p. 191.—Dance of Ostrich.
A vivid picture of the Ostrich dance will be found in Prof. Lloyd Morgan’s Animal Sketches (1892).
[Note 49] p. 192.—Ostrich.
Prof. Newton, in his Dictionary of Birds, notes that Ostriches, though sometimes assembling in troops of 30-50, commonly live in companies of four or five—one cock and the rest hens. This is especially true at the breeding season. All the hens lay together; the cock broods during the night; the hens take turns during the day, more, it would seem, to guard their common treasure from jackals and small beasts of prey than directly to forward the process of hatching, for that is often left wholly to the sun. Some thirty eggs are laid in the nest, and round it are scattered perhaps as many more, which are said to be used as food for the newly-hatched chicks.
Compare works cited in that article: M. H. K. Lichtenstein, Reise im südlichen Africa (Berlin, 1812); Fursch and Hartlaub, Vögel Ost Afrikas; De Mosenthal and Harting, Ostrich and Ostrich Farming; also, Mrs. Martin, Home Life on an Ostrich Farm.
[Note 50] p. 193.—Primaries and Secondaries.