GENERAL VIEW OF THE SUBJECT. 7 



ment of constitution best adapted to counteract 

 extremes: these things, therefore, form most 

 important objects of consideration. 



Animals and vegetables administer to the wants 

 of mankind in various ways ; some by their flesh, 

 or the immediate substance of their bodies ; 

 others by their offspring and seed, or the food 

 provided by nature for their offspring ; others, 

 again, by their exterior covering, and others by 

 assisting man in his labour, and contributing to 

 his pleasures : therefore, in breeding and feeding 

 both animals and vegetables, due regard must be 

 paid to the peculiar object desired. And as na- 

 ture ever determines the end to the means, the 

 attention of the agriculturists must be directed 

 to the adapting their means to the end in view. 



Nature is ever kind and liberal in providing 

 for the necessities of her creatures ; and being 

 always inclined to make an exuberant return in 

 her productions, for extra aid, she thus gives to 

 mankind an opportunity to avail themselves of 

 such propensities : by removing obstructions, and 

 favouring and protecting the general operations 

 of nature, and supplying the deficiency of any 

 needful support, they may increase their means 

 of subsistence and enjoyment. 



But although mankind are thus blessed by an all- 

 bountiful Providence, their power is prescribed, 



B 4 



