GROWTH AND FOOD OF ANIMALS. 145 



etomachs and intestines proportionally larger than those tha* 

 live solely on animal substances. Man, like the carnivorous 

 tribes, is furnished with cutting and canine teeth, and, like 

 the graminivorous, with a double row of grinders. The dimen- 

 sions of his stomach and intestines likewise hold a mean pro- 

 portion between these two tribes of animals, which differ so 

 essentially in their characters and manners. From these and 

 similar arguments, I have no hesitation to conclude, that a 

 promiscuous use of animal and vegetable substances is no 

 deviation from the original nature or destination of mankind, 

 whatever country they may inhabit. 



With regard to the different proportions of animal and vege- 

 table food which are most accommodated to the health and 

 vigor of mankind, no general rule can be given that could be 

 applicable to different climates, and to the different constitu- 

 tions of individuals. Animal food, it is certain, gives vigor 

 to the body, and may be used more liberally by the active 

 and laborious, than by those who lead a studious and seden- 

 tary life. A great proportion of vegetable food, and particu- 

 larly of bread, is considered by the most eminent physicians 

 as best adapted for men who are fond of science and literature ; 

 for full meals of animal food load the stomach, and seldom 

 fail to produce dullness, yawning, indolence, and many dis- 

 eases which often prove fatal. 



' Man is directed, in the selection of his food, partly by 

 accident, and partly by experience and the aid of his senses. 

 That which is pleasant to his palate, is generally salutary to 

 his stomach ; and by a constant observation of the effects 

 produced by different kinds of food, he acquires a considera- 

 ble facility in determining what is proper.' Other animals 

 select their food instinctively ; and their choice is chiefly 

 determined by the sense of smelling. The spaniel hunts his 

 prey by the scent; but the greyhound depends principally 

 upon the use of his eye. When the greyhound loses sight of 

 a hare, he instantly gives up the chase, and looks keenly 

 around him, but never applies his nose, in orjder to discover 

 the track. Some rapacious animals, as wolves and ravens, 

 discover carrion at distances, which, if we were to judge from 

 our own sense of smelling, would appear to be altogether 

 incredible. Others, as eagles, hawks, gulls, &c., surprise us 

 no less by the acuteness of their sight. They perceive, from 

 great heights in the air, mice, small birds, and minute fishes 

 in the water. 



One great cause of the diffusion of animals over every part 

 13 



