INTRODUCTION

THIS volume contains Books VIII–XI of Pliny's Naturalis Historia Natural History; their subject is Zoology.
The detailed contents will be found in Pliny’s own outline of his work, which, with lists of the authorities used for each Book, constitutes Book I; for Books VIII–XI see Volume I, pp. 40–64, of this edition.
Book VIII deals with various mammals, wild and domesticated; and among them are introduced snakes, crocodiles and lizards.
Book IX treats aquatic species, including Nereids, Tritons and the sea-serpent. There are considerable passages on their economic aspects—the use of fish as food, pearls, dyes obtained from fish, and on their physiology, sensory and reproductive.
Book X. Ornithology: hawks trained for fowling; birds of evil omen; domestication of birds for food; talking birds; reproduction. Appendix on other viviparous species, passing on to animals in general—their methods of reproduction, senses, nutrition, friendship and hostility between different species, sleep.
Book XI. Insects, their physiology and habits—especially bees, silk-worms, spiders. Classification of animals by varieties of bodily structure—animal and human physiology.