GENUS CAPRA. 



We have now arrived at those groups of the Ru- 

 minantia which are of most use to man in a state of 

 civilization. Among the various forms, and curious 

 and beautiful animals, which we have just been re- 

 viewing, we have seen many of very great import- 

 ance to man ; but the animals and their pursuers 

 have been in nearly an equal state of unsubdued 

 nature. The large deer of North America are an 

 important article in the economy of the natives. Such 

 is also the case with the native tribes of Africa in 

 regard to the races of Antelopes ; and the Rein-deer 

 and Camel in their respective countries are indis- . 

 pensable for the commerce and support of their 

 owners. The races of Goats, Sheep, and Oxen, 

 which are now of such importance wherever man 

 claims for himself the title of civilised, have been 

 cultivated for his use, and by his care, since the 

 commencement of the world. Among the first 

 of mankind, keeping of sheep, and tilling of the 

 ground, were the most common occupations ; and 

 that very circumstance of their early domestication, 

 and the subjection to such varied circumstances, has 

 made many changes and modifications of the forms, 



