52 



others advocated a just claim of the hippopo- 

 tamus to the same. When, in process of time, 

 the light, thrown on the subject by compara- 

 tive anatomy, determined that they must have 

 belonged to a non-descript animal, distinct 

 from either, — a doubtful point still existed, 

 and invited the attention of the inquisitive. — 

 " Was that animal carnivorous or herbivorous?" 

 Each side of the question long boasted illus- 

 trious supporters. Dr. Hunter declared the 

 unknown animal, carnivorous. His opinion 

 became mostly prevalent. By some, however, 

 who were unwilling entirely to abandon a fa- 

 vourite idea, it was contended, that he was an 

 animal of the mixed kind; that is, capable, like 

 man, like the monkey, the hog, 8cc. of feeding 

 both upon flesh and upon vegetable substances. 

 But most adopted Hunter's idea, without any 

 modification, and declared the animal positively 

 and exclusively carnivorous. After the deci- 

 sion of this point, curiosity and investigation 

 were excited by another topic of enquiry. 

 This was, to ascertain the element on which 

 he lived in general. Some considered it a ter- 

 restrial animal ; others, from certain indications 

 in its structure, pronounced it amphibious, and 

 consigned to it shell-fish, as its favourite food." 



