Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-09-10
QUEER NAMES
OF ANIMALS
By Ellen Velvin, F. L. S.

~ finding appropriate names for each one. a
great many of the names are suitable, but
some are positively startling, such as the
TIcllbender, the Tasmania Devil, the Midwife,
the Laughing Jackass and the Chisel Jaw
The IIellbender is a Mississippi salamander,
with a stoutly built body, large wide and
flattened head, brown or graylsh colored
smooth porous skin dotted all over with
curious wart-like protuberances, and measur-
ing about sixteen or seventeen inches IN
length. 1t crawis in a sluggish manner IN
tributaries of the Mississippi, ranging as tar
as North Carolina. 1t is rarely found out OF
the water although it is stated that 1t can
live as long as twenty-four hours on dry land.
Its food in its wild state consists of worms,
fish and crustaceans, but in captivity it will
eat fish, meat or soft substances, such as
bread and milk, etc. If fed regularly on
meat the boiled heads of chicken or fish, 1t
will increase greatly in size.
Occasionally, without any apparent reason,
it will voluntarily undergo long fasts. which
do not seem to have any harmful effects. The
Hellbender has been exhibited since 1860,
when the first specimen was taken alive TO
Europe Why this terrifying name has been
given to it no seems to know BY all
the American fishermen this salamander Is
dreaded as dangerous and poisonous reptile,
anglers hook general CONSERVATION prevails,
its being supposed to bring exceptional Ill
luck to the one who catches it, besides the
extreme danger of its poisonous tendencies.
As a matter OF fact, the Hellbender Is per-
fcctlv innocuous creature, and with the
exception of the blows with its muscular tail
which it gives to anything that may come IN
its wav is absolutely harmless.
- ~ of ne
mania. and is one OF the most ugly and dis
agreeable little animals in existence. Its
body is about the size of an ordinary badger $,
bat it is so powerfully and sturdily built and
has such extraordinary muscular strength that
great and small fear it. Its nature Is as
Yepusive and disagreeable as its appearance.
Its large, wide head is covered with thick,
close fur surmounted with large, rounded
ears its vicious, wicked eyes, its short, broad
muzzle and its mouthful of closely packed
teeth with the flexible upper lip always
drawn up in threatening snarl, convey its
Miniature at a glance. Its body is covered
with the sort of close, straight fur, except
that there is a thick growth of under fur
which gives it stodgy appearance Its fiat
furry feet-like bear's-are furnished with
tremendously strong claws particularly the
fore feet, and these work nearly as much havoc
as its teeth. a white patch on its throat is
the only relief to the somber coat.
This vicious animal fully deserves its name,
for it often means ruination to the Australian
farmer 1t must have live food at any cost,
and can bite through anything but iron
steel, while its sharp, strong claws will tear
everything to pieces. 1t not only kills for
its food, but for its pleasure; it will destroy
lambs, sheep, chickens poultry, by the dozens,
leaving them scattered in all directions
There appears to be only one way of taking
advantage of these animals ANY bright
light blinds them; but even when fairly caught
they will utter piercing screams, fight vciously,
and with teeth and claws tear anything and
everything within reach.
The Midwife is a frog that has received
this name because the male takes charge
of the eggs during their development 1t
inhabits France, Switzerland, Belgium and
Western Germany.
Sometime between March and June the
female Midwife lays her eggs in long strings,
or chains some of these measuring over
a yard and half. The male then comes
forward, takes up the chains of eggs, winds
them deity all around his legs, thighs and the