USA > Ohio > Auglaize County > History of western Ohio and Auglaize County, with illustrations and biographical sketches of pioneers and prominent public men > Part 35
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The nest or den of the opossum is variously situated. Some- times they occupy the hollow of a fallen tree, but oftener under the roots of trees or stumps.
Its movements are not rapid, and it often lies motionless for hours in the warm sunshine. When captured or slightly wounded, it has the habit of feigning itself dead, and by this artifice often escapes from the inexperienced hunter. The young, which at birth weigh only three or four grains, are placed in the pouch, where they remain growing very rapidly till four or five weeks old, when they begin to venture forth, but for a long time keep close to the mother, generally clinging to her by their tails.
The meat of the opossum is too fat and rank to suit a refined, or, at least, an uneducated, taste; yet they readily sell for from fifty to seventy-five cents to the negroes and white people of the Southern States.
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HISTORY OF WESTERN OHIO
THE FOX SQUIRREL.
Sciurus ludovicianus, Custis, or fox squqirrel, is undergoing a rapid extermination in the county, as are all other species of squirrels. The animal is about twelve inches long to the tail, which is fourteen inches; the body is heavy, and the color varies from a light gray above to a reddish-brown below. It is the largest of the squirrel family, and twenty-five years ago was very numerous in this county. It is easily tamed, and is in great request as a domestic pet.
The food of the fox squirrel is usually of a vegetable nature, and consists of nuts, acorns, wheat, and other fruits and seeds. Being a hibernating animal, it is in the habit of laying up a win- ter store of provisions, and toward the end of autumn, while acorns and other nuts are in their prime, becomes very busy in gathering certain little treasures, which it hides in all kinds of nooks, crevices and holes near the tree in which it lives.
GRAY AND BLACK SQUIRRELS.
Sciurus Caroliensis, Gm., or gray and black squirrels of Ohio and adjoining States, is nine to eleven inches long to the tail, which is about an inch longer than the head and body; the color in the gray variety is a light yellowish-gray above, and grayish-white beneath; but it also occurs of every shade from gray to jet black; and the black and dusky varieties have also been regarded by some as a species distinct from the gray.
The county, as late as 1850, literally swarmed with different varieties of this rodent. It was one of the duties of the writer, when ten years of age, to arise early of May mornings and walk around the cornfield beating a tin pan to frighten the squirrels from the cornfield. No crop could have been raised if that precaution had not been taken.
The flesh of the squirrel is considered a great delicacy by epicures. In localities where they still abound, large numbers are killed for the markets in the large cities.
At an early day, when squirrels were so numerous as to annoy the pioneer farmers, squirrel hunts were organized to extermi- nate the "pest." On such occasions large numbers of the animals were killed. Henry Howe, in his History of Ohio, gives an account of a squirrel hunt in Franklin county in August, 1822,
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in which he states that "The hunt was conducted in accordance with the arrangements previously made. On counting the scalps, it appeared that 19,660 scalps were produced. It is impossible to say what number in all were killed, as a great many of the hunters did not come in."
THE RED SQUIRREL, OR CHICKAREE.
Sciurus Hudsonius, Pallas. The red squirrel inhabits the United States east of the Missouri River, and north to Hudson's Bay. It is seven to eight inches long to the tail, which is about six inches long. It is of a reddish color along the back and sides, and of a dingy white beneath. This squirrel is seen at all sea- sons of the year, and in all kinds of weather. The deepest snows of winter are soon covered with their tracks, and penetrated by holes bored to find the nuts scattered beneath, or which they had hidden in the previous autumn. The chickaree continues to exist in the county in greater numbers than the other varieties of squir- rels.
THE GROUND SQUIRREL.
Tamias striatus, Linn. The ground squirrel, or chipmunk, is one of the liveliest and briskest of quadrupeds, and by reason of its quick and rapid movements, has not inaptly been compared to the wren. It is usually seen among brushwood and small tim- ber; and as it whisks about the branches, or shoots through the interstices, with its peculiar quick, jerking movements, and its odd, quaint, little clucking cry, like the chipping of newly-hatched chickens, the analogy between itself and the bird is very apparent. As it is found in such plenty, and is a bold little creature, it is much persecuted by small boys.
The animal is about five inches long to the tail, which is about four inches in length. The general color above is a yel- lowish-gray and brown, with five longitudinal black stripes. It makes its hole near the roots of a stump or tree, into which it carries its stores for the winter, and where it stays, without once coming out so long as the cold weather lasts. In autumn it may be seen hurrying toward its hole, with cheek-pouches distended to the utmost capacity with nuts and grain.
THE FLYING SQUIRREL.
Pteromys volucella, Desm. The flying squirrel is charac- terized by a densely furred membrane extending laterally from
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HISTORY OF WESTERN OHIO
the sides between the fore and hind feet, by means of which the animal is enabled to glide from one tree to another, supported as by a parachute. There are long, bony appendages to the feet, which support a part of this lateral membrane. It is about five inches long to the tail, which is a little less in length than the head and body. The fur is very soft and silky, the color light yellowish-brown above and creamy white beneath.
The habitat of the animal is strictly among the trees, issuing forth late in the evening, and sailing from one trunk to the base of another, but never on the ground. It is gregarious, assem- bling in hollow trees, from which as many as a dozen will dart when the sides of their retreat is thoroughly thumped. Their food is similar to that of other squirrels.
THE BUFFALO.
Bos Americanus, Gm., or American buffalo, once so numer- ous in all parts of Ohio, has become decimated, except in the far Northwest. It is the largest of American quadrupeds, being of the size of a large domestic ox, and characterized by a large head, which is carried low; broad forehead, broad, full chest, large lump between the shoulders, narrow loins, and compara- tively slender Jegs.
There is ample evidence of the former existence and abun- dance of the buffalo in northern Ohio. Atwater, in his History of Ohio, says, "We had once the bison and elk in vast numbers all over Ohio."
Wood, in his Natural History, states that, "The flesh of the fat cow bison is in great repute, being juicy, tender, and well- savored, and possesses the invaluable quality of not cloying the appetite, even though it be eaten with the fierce hunger that is generated by a day's hunting. The fat is peculiarly excellent, and is said to bear some resemblance to the celebrated green fat of the turtle. The most delicate portion of the bison is the flesh that composes the hump, which gives to the animal's back so strange an aspect. The pieces of hump-flesh that are stripped from the shoulders are technically called 'fleeces,' and sometimes weigh as much as a hundred pounds. 'Jerked' beef is also made from this animal, the meat being cut into long, thin strips, and hung in the sunshine until black, dry, and almost as hard as leather."
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THE AMERICAN ELK.
Cervus Canadensis, Erxl., or American Elk, sometimes called Wapiti, roamed over Ohio in great numbers. Atwater is author- ity for the statement that, "When Circleville was first settled, the carcasses, or rather skeletons, of fifty individuals of the elk family lay scattered about on the surface, which the Indians had left here."
· Many specimens of elk horns have been discovered in exca- vating ditches in the county. Walker, in his History of Athens County, states that, "The buffalo and elk were not exterminated until about the year 1800."
Dr. Kirtland, in his report of mammals, in the Geological Survey of Ohio, of 1838, reports, "The elk was frequently to be met with in Ashtabula county until within the last six years. I learn from Col. Harper, of that county, that one was killed there as recently as October of the present season."
THE RED DEER.
Cervus Virginianus, Boddaert, or red deer, is one of the most beautiful and graceful of the animals that inhabited the county up to 1860. The weight of an adult varies from one hun- dred and fifty to two hundred pounds. The color of the animal is a light fawn in summer, and of a reddish-gray in winter. The under part of the throat and tail are always white.
Deer were so numerous in the county at an early date that the flesh of the animal constituted a large part of the sustenance of the Indians and pioneers.
A further description of this well-known animal seems unnecessary, as much has been written concerning it in the history of the Shawnee Indians.
REPTILIA.
The reptiles of Auglaize county at the present time are not nearly so numerous as they were in 1830. Many species have entirely disappeared since that time.
This class comprises cool-blooded, oviperous vertebrates, which are covered with scales, and which lay their eggs upon the land, and whose young closely resemble the parents from the time they leave the shell.
25 HA C
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HISTORY OF WESTERN OHIO
The reptiles of the county are comprised under four orders, namely: Testudinata or turtles, Sauria or lizards, Ophidia or serpents, and Batrachians or frogs.
SNAPPING TURTLE.
Chelydra serpentina, Schw., or snapping turtle, is the largest of the three species, and is still to be found around ponds and along streams. It is a ferocious animal, and when annoyed assumes an attitude of defense, snaps violently, and will not let go its hold even after the cutting off of its head. They deposit sixty or seventy eggs in a hole scooped out in the sand, in the month of June. These eggs, as well as the turtles, are by some esteemed a luxury for food. In advanced life the meat of the turtle becomes rank, and at times emits a musky odor, rendering it unpalatable.
Thyrosternum Pennsylvanicum, Ag., or mud tortoise, has a flat, circular, elongated shield, more or less flexible, and inhabits the muddy bottoms of shallow waters ; often burying themselves in the soft mud, leaving only the head exposed. They take breath from time to time by carrying the snout above the water without even moving the body.
They are found in great numbers along the Miami Canal, · and around the two reservoirs of the county. They are fre- quently observed sitting upon the edges of ponds and upon logs, but in all cases plunge into the water when approached. They go into winter quarters in the fall by burying themselves in mud.
Cistudo Virginca, Ag., or box turtle, is quite common in the eastern and western portions of the county. In this animal, the plastron is composed of two parts that are movable upon one axis, and which can be brought into close contact with the cara- pace, and thus completely conceal all the extremities of the animal. It is about six inches in length, and is ornamented with red and yellow spots around the edges of the upper shell. Their favorite resorts are dry uplands. They attain a great age; a specimen mentioned by Allen must have been at least sixty years old. They do not migrate to any great distance from their birthplace, and go into winter quarters by burrowing into the ground in September.
Trionychidae platypcltis, or soft-shelled turtle, is occasion- ally found in the streams and reservoirs of the county. This
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species attains a length of sixteen inches, and in color is umber- brown above, with dusky blotches; below it is white, marked by red blood vessels.
This species of Testudinata is said to be the most delicious and nourishing of the fresh-water varieties.
ORDER OPHIDIA.
Reptiles are always repugnant, and Auglaize county has had her share in the past. The number of species of snakes did not exceed eight, but each species was so numerous as to be very annoying to the early pioneers. Their numbers began to decrease as the forest was cleared away and the lands were brought under cultivation.
Crotalus durissus, Linn., or common rattlesnake, and Cro -: talus tergeminus, Holbr., are the only venomous snakes infesting the county.
The common rattlesnake is three or four feet long, sulphur- brown above, with two rows of confluent, lozenge-shaped brown spots. It is generally sluggish, and never attacks animals unless disturbed or hungry. But the slightest noise will arouse it, when it immediately coils, moves its rattles violently and strikes at whatever comes within reach. It never pursues the object of its anger, but strikes on the spot, and, recoiling, repeats the blow as often as it can. It feeds on frogs, mice, young rabbits, and birds, which it secures by lying in wait for them. Its reported charming power is probably a mere notion which has no founda- tion in fact. It was formerly supposed that the number of rattles indicates the age,- one rattle being added each year; but this is not true. In some cases there are more than one added in a year, and in others, one or two more are iost.
Crotalus torgeminus, Holbr., or massassauga, lives in marshes, and on lands adjoining them. Its bite is justly dreaded by persons compelled to frequent such places. It rarely, if ever, strikes without warning, and never unless disturbed. It has a broader head than the common rattlesnake, and is from twenty to thirty inches in length, and is of a grayish-brown above, inter- spersed with brownish spots. Below it is of a lighter color.
In habitat and venom it resembles the common rattlesnake. This reptile is still quite common in the Muchinippe country.
Bascanion constrictor, or racer, was a common serpent in
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HISTORY OF WESTERN OHIO
Auglaize county. It is three to five feet in length, dark black above, and of a greenish black beneath. The chin and throat are white. Its bite is no more poisonous than that of the squirrel or rabbit.
It is fond of climbing trees in search of young birds, eggs, and similar dainties. The haunts of this snake are usually along the edges of streams and ponds, and may be seen in shady spots, well sheltered by brushwood. It often happens that the locality of the blacksnake is indicated by the proceedings of the little birds, which collect above their hated enemy, scold with harsh cries, flutter their wings noisily, and by dint of continual annoy- ance drive the reptile from the locality.
This reptile, once so numerous in the county, is seldom seen at the present day.
Coluber triangululum, Boie., or milk snake, is a harmless reptile, and is found in dry woods, and frequently in outhouses and dairies, which it is said to visit in order to get at the milk. It probably enters such places in quest of mice. The reptile is from three to four feet in length, and in color is of a grayish-white, interspersed with brown blotches extending from the neck to the tail ; there are also lateral spots of the same color in two rows on each side. The reptile is not so numerous as it was in the early settling of the county.
Eutaenia proxima, Say., or common gray garter snake, is a harmless reptile, and is a valuable agent in the destruction of slugs, grubs and insects.
Its general color is dark gray above, and white, shading to green, below. Its length is from two to three feet.
Eutaenia sirialis, Linn., or striped garter snake, is one of our commonest snakes. Its color is light brown to gray, with two lateral stripes of yellow, and is from two to three feet in length. When irritated it elevates its scales, giving it a rough- ened appearance, and also at the same time exudes a very dis- agreeable odor.
They are gregarious, and go into winter quarters in October and issue forth again the following spring, in May. In early spring they are frequently ploughed up in bunches.
Regina Grahamii, Baird, or Graham's snake, is found along the streams and around the ponds and reservoirs of the county. The color above is brown, and the abdomen yellowish without
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spots. This aquatic snake is from two to three feet in length. Although a formidable looking reptile, it is perfectly harmless, as it is destitute of poison fangs.
ORDER SAURIA. OR LIZARDS,
The lizards of Auglaize county are not as numerous as they are in counties further south. The few species of the county are small, inoffensive animals, that are useful as destroyers of nox- ious insects.
Lygosoma laterale, Say., or ground lizard,- sometimes called ground puppy, is found underneath rotten logs and bark, in the months of May and June. The general color is bluish above, and gray, shading into green, below. It varies from six to eight inches in length.
Laerta faciata, Linn., or blue-tailed skink, is occasionally seen around old buildings and under the bark of dead trees. It is very active in its movements, and hard to capture. It is about ·seven inches in length; the upper portion of the body is bluish- black, with light yellow lines along the sides.
Menobranchus lateralis, Say., or water dog, is occasionally found in the Auglaize River, and in the reservoirs. The body is cylindrical, smooth, gray, with darker spots, and often a lateral line ; head broad, depressed ; nostrils small; teeth large and coni- cal; three gills on each side. Length, eighteen inches.
Their motions are very active when in water, and are per- formed by the body and tail. They eat a number of worms a day. At times they are found with parasitic worms near their gills. The flesh of this animal is said to be excellent eating.
ORDER. BATRACHEA.
Rana catesbyana, Shaw, the bull frog, called also by the boys cow frog, is very common in the reservoirs and ponds of the county. Its hoarse voice, low bass notes, supposed by some to be its love song or call of the male to the female, have been compared to the roaring of a bull, hence the common name.
The bull frog is the one more commonly eaten, though any of them may be used as articles of food. Generally the hams only are taken, and when fried are said to resemble young chicken.
The color of the bull frog is brown, mottled with black
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HISTORY OF WESTERN OHIO
above, and taking a greener hue upon the head. The abdomen is grayish-white, and the throat is white, dotted with green. Some of the larger ones attain a length of six inches.
Rana clamata, of Daudon, or green spring frog, is common along brooks and around ponds, sitting upon the banks, and plunging at the approach of danger. They are the earliest to awaken from their winter sleep. This species of frog is inter- mediate between the bull frog and the common small spring frog.
This species of frog is the one taken from the reservoirs to supply the markets.
Rana palustris, LeConte, or common spring frog, appears in countless numbers in early spring in wet places, in marshes and upon the borders of streams. They are active animals, very difficult to capture, leaping from eight to ten feet. The noise produced by thousands of them in a pond at night is almost deafening.
Rana sylvatica, of LeConte, or wood frog, is very abundant in the woods of Auglaize county, where it is found among damp, fallen leaves, which it resembles so closely as to be overlooked. They appear in March or April, and go into winter quarters the last of October. They prefer thick oak or maple forests for their habitation. Their color is quite variable, being darker in spring, but becoming lighter after exposure to the summer's sunlight. Its length is about two inches.
Hila versicolor, LeConte, the common tree toad. The color of this animal above varies from green to brown, with irregular dark blotches; skin above, rough, with 'numerous small eleva- tions. The length is one and a half inches. This toad is com- mon to all parts of the county. Dr. W. H. Smith states that. "It has ventriloqual powers, and is especially clamorous in damp weather and towards evening. It is found on trees and old fences, to the color of which it assimilates itself in a striking degree. It has an acrid secretion. In fine weather it climbs the highest trees after insects.
Bufo lentiginosus, Shaw, or American toad, is about three and one-half inches long by two inches in width. The color above is a dark slate, speckled with whitish gray and brown; beneath it is a yellowish or dirty white.
During the day it remains in concealment, crouched in cavi- ties under stones, dead or decaying trees, or stumps. They are
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mild and timid animals, and, like the frogs, repair to ponds and hibernate in mud, where they have been found a foot below the surface.
FISHES.
The following catalogue of the fishes of Auglaize county has been compiled from the report of David L. Jordon, M. D., in the Zoology of Ohio:
Seolecosoma argentura Mud-eel.
Lepidosteus osseus
Gar Pike.
Amiurus natalus
Yellow Cat-Fish.
Silurus cerulescens
Blue Cat-Fish.
Erimyzon trisignatus
White Sucker.
Erimyzon sucetta
Club Sucker.
Campastoma anomalum
Stone Roller.
Hyborhynchus notatus
Blunt Nosed Minnow.
Minnilus scabriceps
Cyprinus carpio
Carp. (German).
Dorosoma Cepedianum
Hickory Shad.
Eupomotis Gibbosus
Common Sun-Fish.
Lepomis Pallidus
Blue Sun-Fish.
Amplophtes Rupestris
Rock Bass; Goggle Eye.
Micropterus Salmoides
Large-Mouthed Black Bass.
Perea Americana
Yellow Perch.
Bodianus Flavescens
Ringed Perch.
Perea Salmonea
Blue Pike.
BIRDS.
The following catalogue contains the name of nearly every resident or migratory bird of the county :
Tardus migratorus Robin.
Turdus mustelinus
Wood Thrush.
Turdus swsinsoni
Olive-Backed Thrush.
Mimus Carolinensis Catbird.
Harporhynchus rufus
Brown Thrush.
Sialia sialis
Bluebird.
Polioptila caculea
Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher.
Lophophanes bicolor
Tufted Titmouse or Chick.
Sitta Carolineensis
White-Bellied Nuthatch (Sapsucker).
Certhia familiaris Brown Creeper.
Talmatodytes palustris
Long-Billed Marsh Wren.
Anthus ludovicianus
Brown Lark.
Prothonotaria citraea
Prothonotery Warbler.
Dendroeca arstiva
Summer Warbler.
Dendroeca virens
Black-Throated Green Warbler.
Dendroeca caerulea
Caerulean Warbler.
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HISTORY OF WESTERN OHIO
Dendroeca Blackburniae
Blackburnian Warbler.
Dendroeca Palmarum
Yellow Red-Poll Warbler.
Siurus naevius
Water Wagtail.
Setophaga ruticilla
Redstart.
Pyranga rubra
Scarlet Tanager.
Pyranga aestiva
Summer Redbird.
Hirundo erythrogastra
Barn Swallow.
Petrochelidon lunifrons
Eave Swallow.
Progne subis
Martin.
Vireo olivaceous
Red-Eyed Vireo.
Vireo flavifrons
Yellow-throated Vireo.
Lanius borealis
Butcher Bird.
Melospiz melodia
Song Sparrow.
Junco hyemalis
Snowbird.
Spizella monticola
Tree Sparrow.
Spizella socialis
Chipping Sparrow.
Spizella pusilla
Field Sparrow.
Passer domesticus
English Sparrow.
Passerella iliaea
Fox Sparrow.
Gyanospiza cyanea
Indigo Bird.
Cardinalis Virginianus
Cardinal Redbird.
Pipilo erythropthalmus
Chewink.
Agelaeus phoeniceus
Red-Winged Blackbird.
Icterus spurious
Orchard Oriole.
Icterus Baltimore
Baltimore Oriole.
Quiscalus purpureus
Crow Blackbird.
Corvus corax
Raven.
Corvus Americanus
Common Crow.
Cyanurus christatus
Blue Jay.
Tyrannus Carolinensis
Kingbird: Bee-Martin.
Myiaarchus crinitus
Great Crested Flycatcher.
Sayornis fuscus
Pewee.
Contopus virens
Wood Pewee.
Antrostomus vociferus
Whippoorwill.
Chordeiles Virginianus
Nighthawk.
Chaetura pelagica
Chimney Swift.
Trochilus colubris
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird.
Ceryle alcyon
Belted Kingfisher.
Coccyzus erythrophtholmus
Black-Billed Cuckoo.
Picus villosus
Hairy Woodpecker.
Picus pubescens
Downy Woodpecker.
Sphyrapicus varius
Yellow-Bellied Woodpecker.
Melanerpes erythrocephalus
Red-Headed Woodpecker.
Calaptes auratus
Flicker.
Strix flammea
Barn Owl.
Bubo Virginianus
Great Horned Owl.
Scops asio
Screech Owl.
Otus vulgaris
Long-Eared Owl.
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Brachyotus palustris
Short-Eared Owl.
Syrnium cinereum
Great Gray Owl.
Syrnium nebulosum
Barred Owl.
Nyctea scandiaca
Snowy Owl.
Nyctale acadica
Saw-Whet Owl.
Accipiter fuscus
Pigeon Hawk.
Accipiter cooperi
Chicken Hawk.
Falco columbarius
Pigeon Hawk.
Falco sparverius
Sparrow Hawk.
Haliaetus leucocephalus
Bald Eagle.
Cathartes aura
Turkey Buzzard.
Ectopistes macrura
Wild Pigeon.
Zenaedura Caroliensis
Carolina Dove.
Meleagris gallopava
Common Wild Turkey.
Bonasa umbellus
Pheasant.
Ortyx Virginianus
Quail; Bob-White.
Aegialitis vocifera
Kildeer Plover.
Phiohela minor
American Woodcock.
Ardea herodias
Great Blue Heron.
Grus Americana
White Crane.
Fulica Americana
Coot.
Anser Albifrons
American White-Fronted Goose.
Branta Canadensis
Canada Goose; Wild Goose.
Anas boschas
Mallard.
Dafila acuta
Pintail.
Maeca Americana
American Widgeon.
Querquedula discors
Blue-Winged Teal.
Aix sponsa
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