‘GENERAL FORM. 951 
in guiding us to sound and logical deductions. 
They relate more especially to the form or general 
contour, to the organs by which food is taken, and 
to those of locomotion. We will now give to each 
of these a separate consideration. 
(175.) The general form or contour of an animal 
is that circumstance which first strikes the beholder, 
and impresses him with its peculiar character as a 
distinct being. Upon this, therefore, we have 
already laid great stress; and the more we become 
acquainted with natural groups, the more shall we 
be impressed with the importance of making this 
one of their primary distinctions. Thus, we see 
that thick and heavy animals are never naturally 
associated with such as are slim and agile. The 
typical ruminating quadrupeds, for instance, are 
large and heavy; and to expect that any of the 
species of oxen should have the light and elegant 
form of the horse, would be as inconsistent with the 
order of nature, as to see a mouse slowly and heavily 
pacing about our kitchen. Again, vultures, among 
birds, are nearly all characterised by heaviness of 
body and slowness of motion; whereas the whole 
family of hawks are proverbially quick and daring. 
Among insects, likewise, we see similar habits 
accompanying similar forms. What beetles are 
more slow than the Weloe, the genuine Chrysomele, 
and the Geotrupide,—the last, better known to our 
readers as the “ shard-borne beetle with his drowsy 
hum,” immortalised by Shakspeare. In opposition to 
these, we have the greatest developement of agility 
and grace shown in the shining Cicindelide ; and in 
those glossy little Carabide which cross our path 
