GROWTH AND FOOD OF ANIMALS. 141 



in an infantine state. Though the human species continues 

 long in that state, the attachment and solicitude of both 

 parents, instead of abating, in proportion to the time and 

 labor bestowed on their progeny, constantly augment, and 

 commonly remain during life. The reciprocal affection of 

 parents and children is one of the greatest sources of human 

 happiness. If the love^f children were not strong, and if it 

 did not increase with time, the labor, the constant attention, 

 the anxiety and fatigue of mothers would be insufferable. 

 But here Nature, whose wisdom is always conspicuous, makes 

 affection brave every difficulty, and soothe every pain. If a 

 child be sickly, and require uncommon care, the exertions of 

 the mother are wonderfully supported ; pity unites with love, 

 and these two passions become so strong, that hardships and 

 fatigue of every kind are suffered with cheerfulness and 

 alacrity. 



With regard to the inferior tribes of animals, Nature has 

 not been less provident. To quadrupeds and birds she has 

 given a strong and marked affection for their offspring, as 

 long as parental care is necessary. But whenever the young 

 begin to be in a condition to protect and provide for them- 

 selves, the attachment of the parents gradually subsides; 

 they become regardless of their offspring, at last banish them, 

 with blows, from their presence, and, after that period, seem 

 to have no knowledge of the objects which so lately engrossed 

 all the attention of their minds, and occupied all the industry 

 and labor of their bodies. Here the dignity and superiority 

 of man appears in a conspicuous light. Instead of losing 

 the knowledge of his offspring after they arrive at maturity, 

 his affection expands, and embraces grandchildren, and great- 

 grandchildren, with equal warmth, as if they had immediatelv 

 originated from himself. 



CHAPTER VI. 



OF THE GROWTH AND FOOD OF ANIMALS. 



IT is a law of nature, that all organized bodies, whether 

 animal or vegetable, require food, in order to expand and 

 strengthen their parts when young, and to preserve health 



