222 



In the spring they separate, the hinds concealing them- 

 selves in order to bring forth. The young harts remain 

 together, love to walk in company, and are only parted 

 by necessity. 



Sheep that are exposed to the sultry heat of the dog- 

 days in an open plain, keep near each other, so that 

 their heads touch ; they hold them inclined towards the 

 earth, and snuff up the fresh air which comes from be- 

 neath them. 



Wild ducks, that are accustomed to change their 

 climate, range themselves in their flight in the form of a 

 wedge, or an inverted V, that they may cleave the air 

 with the greater ease. The duck at the extreme point 

 leads the flight, and cleaves the air first of all. After a 

 certain time he is relieved by another, the second in his 

 turn by a third, &c. In this manner each bears a share 

 in the laborious part of this orjke. 



8. Animals to whom the company of their own kind 

 is useful, have been rendered fit for this commerce. 

 And if the AUTHOR of nature had man in view with 

 respect to this particular, as we may without pride sup- 

 pose^ the means will be found to correspond perfectly 

 well with the end. Jn effect, how many embarrass- 

 ments and inconveniencies would have accompanied the 

 divers services we deduced from domestic animals, if in- 

 dividuals of the same species had not power to cohabit 

 together ! 



The spirit of society is not altogether limited to indi- 

 viduals of the same species, but extends likewise in a 

 certain degree to those of different species, and from 

 thence man also derives some advantage. The custom 

 of seeing each other, of eating their meals in common, 

 of reposing under the same roof, confirms the natural 

 disposition of domestic animals to live in society. The 

 connections which result from it become so much the 

 stronger as they begin earlier or nearer to their birth. 



