150 THE HARE AND RABBIT. 



ground, it will immediately cling to it ; and when the pole is ele- 

 vated, it will immediately climb to the top. The same naturalist 

 remarks, that the female sloth produces only one young one at a 

 birth, which she frequently carries on her back. 



This appears to be almost the only animal to which Nature 

 seems, according to our superficial observations and imperfect 

 manner of judging, to have denied a conformation of body and 

 power of action adapted to its wants ; but let us not make too 

 hasty a decision in estimating its happiness. A single tree affords 

 it subsistence for a considerable time, and consequently it enjoys 

 plenty without any long search : and as a creature of so imper- 

 fect a conformation could not possibly procure water, indulgent 

 Nature has kindly taken care that it should feel no inconvenience 

 from the want of that article, so necessary to most other animals. 

 This circumstance alone shows, that the well-being of this crea- 

 ture has not been overlooked by the Creator in the immensity 

 of his works. Its plaintive moans, which we consider as expres- 

 sions of pain, may perhaps be a cry given for its preservation, as 

 all beasts of prey fly from the sound. It may have enjoyments 

 peculiar to itself. We cannot judge of the sensations of this, or 

 any other animal ; but we are certain that the God of Nature 

 has never made any creature for misery. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

 THE HARE AND RABBIT. 



" 'Tis instinct that directs the timid hare 



To choose her soft abode. With step revers'd 



She forms the doubling maze ; then, ere the morn 



Peeps through the clouds, leaps to her close recess." THOMSON. 



The hare and the rabbit, two gentle and timid animals, which, 

 although troublesome to man in frequently destroying the fruits 

 of his agricultural labours, are not without their utility in furnish- 

 ing an excellent viand for the table, as well as a considerable 

 article of commerce, will form the subject of the present chap- 

 ter, which, though short, we hope will contain its share of enter- 

 tainment and usefulness. Both these animals are destitute of 

 every means of defence, and on every side surrounded with ene- 

 mies ; but the great Author and Preserver of all beings, has, in 

 the wise and good plan of his universal providence, given to one 

 such a variety of means of escape, and to the other so amazing 

 a fecundity, that neither is extirpated. 



