INTRODUCTION xlv 



unduly numerous, be limited in number, lest they inflict more 

 damage than they contribute in benefit. To aid the judgment in 

 arriving at equity in these important concerns, the habits and food 

 of the chief wild creatures that still roam over the British Islands 

 are given as consonant with experience, and by this data, balancing 

 the good they do against the evil they commit essential service 

 may be rendered to the several pursuits by exercising discrim- 

 inating judgment with a view to the success of each and all, 

 and thus the animal and vegetable produce be increased to the 

 profit of the rearers and growers and welfare of the whole in- 

 habitants of the British Islands. 



