93 NATURAL AND CIVIL 



CHAPTER VI. 



Native Animals. .^71 account of the Quad- 

 rupeds ; with Observations on their Enumcro' 

 tion, Origi?iy Migration, Species, Magnitudei 

 Disposition, and multiplying Power, The 

 Birds, Fishes, Reptiles and Insects. 



THE uncultivated state of America was 

 fevourable to the productions of animal life. A 

 soil naturally rich and fertile, and powers of ve- 

 getation extremely vigorous, produced those 

 immense forests, which spread over the conti- 

 nent. In these, a great variety and number of 

 animals had tlieir residence. Fed by the hand 

 and productions of nature, unmolested but by a 

 few and unarmed men, the productions of ani- 

 mal life every where appeared, in the various 

 fonns of quadrupeds, birds, fishes, and insects ; 

 and tlieir increase and multiplication, became 

 quick and rapid. 



QUADRUPEDS. 



Of that species of animals which are kno\'VTi 

 by the name of quadrupeds, America contains 

 nearly one half : Of these about thirty six, are 

 found in Vermont. Our forests afford shelter 

 and nourishment for the moose, bear, wolf, deer, 

 fox, wild cat, racoon, porcupine, woodchuck, 

 skunk, martin, haie, rabbit, weasel, ermine, 

 squirrel, mole, and mouse. In our rivers, 

 ponds, and lakes, the beaver, muskrat, mink, 

 and otter, ai'e to be found in lai*ge numbers? 



