Author
William T. (William Temple) Hornaday
1854-1937
William T. (William Temple) Hornaday (1854-1937) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by William T. (William Temple) Hornaday
Our Vanishing Wild Life: Its Extermination and Preservation
"Our Vanishing Wild Life: Its Extermination and Preservation" by William T. Hornaday is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The book focuses on the alarming decline of wildlife in North America, highlighting the species that have disappeared or are on the verge of extinction due to human activity. The author, a prominent conservationist and director of the New York Zoological Park, aims to raise awareness about the urgent need for wildlife protection and reform. The opening portion of the text sets a reflective tone as it emphasizes the historical abundance of wildlife now lost due to relentless hunting and habitat destruction. Hornaday discusses various species, using poignant examples such as the passenger pigeon, which once numbered in the millions yet became extinct through overhunting. He leverages historical anecdotes, legislative failures, and vivid imagery to illustrate the crisis facing wildlife. This introductory segment calls for immediate action from the public and lawmakers to protect the remaining wildlife, framing the preservation of nature as a moral obligation owed to future generations.
The Extermination of the American Bison
"The Extermination of the American Bison" by William T. Hornaday is a book published in 1889. It documents the ecology of bison and their near-complete destruction across the United States through industrial-scale hunting. Hornaday chronicles the species' rapid decline, analyzing causes including unnecessary slaughter and lack of legal protection, while advocating for the survival of remaining bison in Yellowstone. The work includes an account of the Smithsonian's 1886 expedition to collect specimens before extinction.
Taxidermy and Zoological Collecting A Complete Handbook for the Amateur Taxidermist, Collector, Osteologist, Museum-Builder, Sportsman, and Traveller
"Taxidermy and Zoological Collecting" by William T. Hornaday and W. J. Holland is a comprehensive handbook on taxidermy and specimen collection written in the late 19th century. The work is aimed at amateur taxidermists, zoological collectors, sportsmen, and naturalists, detailing techniques and methodologies for preserving animal specimens and building zoological collections. The authors emphasize the importance of collecting while species are still abundant, given the alarming rate of wildlife extinction occurring during their time. The opening of the book sets the tone for its instructional content, outlining the urgent need for skilled collectors in light of the rapid decline of various animal species. Hornaday expresses a deep affection for the natural world, highlighting the responsibility of collectors to act ethically and efficiently in capturing specimens. He details the inherent challenges of the task and stresses the necessity of expertise in both collecting and the subsequent preservation of specimens. Whether addressing the need for proper fieldwork or the intricacies of taxidermy, the beginning encourages aspiring collectors to be diligent and informed in a pursuit that is increasingly critical for the preservation of zoological diversity.
The Minds and Manners of Wild Animals: A Book of Personal Observations
"The Minds and Manners of Wild Animals: A Book of Personal Observations" by William T. Hornaday is a scientific exploration written in the early 20th century. The work delves into the intelligence and behavior of wild animals, providing personal insights and observations that reflect on their mental capacities, moral traits, and social interactions. Hornaday, who served as the Director of the New York Zoological Park, advocates for a deeper understanding and respect for the natural behaviors and rights of wild animals, seeking to distinguish their unique characteristics from those of domestic species. The opening of the book sets the stage for a detailed inquiry into animal intelligence, emphasizing that the study of wild animals is a vast and largely unexplored field. Hornaday discusses the historical context of human perception of animal intelligence and the observations that form the foundation of his inquiry. He posits that animals exhibit complex behaviors reflective of their reasoning abilities, addressing concepts such as instinct, education, and the importance of observing animals in their natural habitats. Additionally, he critiques conventional methodologies used to study animal behavior, supporting a more personalized and observational approach. The introduction serves as an invitation to readers to consider the fascinating mental lives of wild animals, arguing that understanding their minds can enrich human experiences and promote wildlife conservation.
Popular Official Guide to the New York Zoological Park (September 1915) Thirteenth Edition
"Popular Official Guide to the New York Zoological Park" by William T. Hornaday is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The guide serves as an informative resource for visitors to the New York Zoological Park, outlining the various animal exhibits and facilities available in the park, which includes extensive collections of mammals, birds, reptiles, and more. It highlights not only the species on display but also the history and operational aspects of the facility itself. The opening of the guide provides a richly detailed introduction to the New York Zoological Park, emphasizing its purpose and significance as a public educational institution aimed at animal preservation and the promotion of zoology. Hornaday outlines the park's development, the ongoing need for animal acquisitions, and the various support received from community members and entities. The text includes administrative details and statistics about the park, such as animal collections and facilities, along with a detailed table of contents that hints at the comprehensive examination of the park’s diverse wildlife which follows.
The Mentor: Game Animals of America, Vol. 4, Num. 13, Serial No. 113, August 15, 1916
"The Mentor: Game Animals of America, Vol. 4, Num. 13, Serial No. 113, August…" by W. T. Hornaday is a natural history publication from the early 20th century. The book focuses on the big game animals of North America, illustrating the rapid decline of these species due to overhunting and habitat loss. It not only highlights the past abundance of wildlife in the Americas but also serves as a call to action for conservation efforts. In this edition of "The Mentor," Hornaday discusses various species such as the American bison, elk, mountain sheep, and moose, providing detailed descriptions and insights into their habitats, characteristics, and conservation status. The text explores the consequences of human activities on these majestic animals, exemplifying the drastic decrease in their populations and emphasizing the importance of protecting their environments. The work embodies a blend of informative content and a passionate plea for wildlife preservation, illustrating the rich natural heritage of North America and the urgent need for effective conservation measures.
A searchlight on Germany: Germany's Blunders, Crimes and Punishment
"A Searchlight on Germany: Germany's Blunders, Crimes and Punishment" by Dr. William T. Hornaday is a historical account published in the early 20th century. The book discusses Germany's military and political actions during World War I, highlighting the nation's perceived mistakes, ethical violations, and responsibilities for wartime atrocities. It aims to provide Americans with a detailed understanding of Germany's conduct as a way to foster informed opinions about post-war peace settlements. The book is divided into several sections that outline the blunders made by Germany, the crimes committed during the war, and the form of punishment it should face. Hornaday articulates that Germany’s initial blunders led to the war, while detailing horrific accounts of atrocities against civilians and prisoners of war, reinforcing the argument that Germany's actions were not only military errors but moral failures. Elements such as the murder of innocents, the maltreatment of prisoners, and the use of chemical weapons are used to paint a grim picture of the German military campaign. Ultimately, Hornaday argues for a rigorous response to Germany's actions post-war, insisting that the nation must be held accountable to prevent future conflicts.