98 RUMINATING ANIMALS. 



the wildest and most remote districts. It may be 

 here remarked, that, among the deer, the largest 

 species seem to be found in the temperate districts. 

 The Elk, Wapiti, and Rein-deer, reach ven -SLR arc- 

 tic latitude, and, in their numbers, afford an abun- 

 dant support where other necessaries of life are less 

 plentiful. The larger stags also follow the tempe- 

 rate and exalted regions. One fine animal, the Red 

 Deer, is still found in Britain ; and the mountain 

 ranges of India appear to possess more than another 

 species. 



Among the other families, the proportion of num- 

 feers is less, but the utility of "the individuals is 

 much increased. Among the Camels, that of the 

 ancients can scarcely now be traced in a state of na- 

 ture ; but without this creature, the nations of the 

 east could not pass the deserts, and as a beast of 

 burden it is invaluable. Other animals belonging to 

 this section, and also extensively used, are found on 

 the American Andes ; but, unless introduced, these 

 creatures do not extend either to Africa or India. 

 The Giraffe, again, is confined entirely to Africa. 

 The tribe of Sheep and Goats are nearly equally dis- 

 tributed in the three great continents ; but those of 



graminivorous animals, then, when we could, perhaps af- 

 ford to harbour these handsome visitors, their instinct, and 

 our persecutions, propel them again to their more sterile 

 but more peaceful valleys and plains, to recruit their num- 

 bers lost during their migration, and to resume their attacks 

 upon us when their wants shall again compel them." 

 Thompson's Travels in South Africa, vol. i. j>. 266. 



