INTRODUCTION. 69 



at so remote a period, that our conclusions respect- 

 ing identity of species, are only inferential and for 

 the convenience of classification : that, notwith- 

 standing the superabundant inclination in man to 

 assume dominion over matter, there appears to be 

 distinct evidence to prove, by their fitness, the in- 

 tention of the Creator regarding the destination of 

 several animals was meant for human use. For if 

 we do not admit these views, there remains only 

 the supposition of a creation of pairs, or of only one 

 family of each species, which, gradually increasing, 

 extended and migrated to a multitude of localities 

 in many cases so inaccessible, as to demand more 

 violent causes, more unphilosophical necessities thaa 

 the former; disregarding withal a totally unba- 

 lanced state in the system of co-ordained organic 

 beings.^ 



/This conclusion we have already endeavoured to 

 draw in the history of the Canidse : it will be farther 

 illustrated in that of the domestic horse ; is more or 

 less perceptible in all the thoroughly domesticated 

 animals, and when we examine their capacity to bear 

 in man's company, the variations of climate and 

 changes of food to which he has subjected them, we 

 may take the law of sterility in the commixture of 

 different species to have its limits where the forms 

 cease to be sufficiently homogeneous ; a law unques- 

 tionably ordained for the wisest purposes, but marked 

 with exceptional modifications for purposes not less 

 beneficent : There are so many proofs of the beauti- 

 ful flexibility of their action upon organized beings, 



