2G A HISTORY OF, &c. 



lution, and seldom fails of coming off with a victory. He thus be 

 conies hardier and better in the struggle, and learns to know and tc 

 value his own superiority. 



As the last mentioned animals are called forth by his boldest efforts, 

 so the numerous tribe of the smaller vermin kind excite his continual 

 vigilance and caution ; his various arts and powers have been no where 

 more manifest, than in the extirpation of those that multiply with such 

 prodigious fecundity. Neither their agility, nor their minuteness can 

 secure them from his pursuits ; and though they may infest, they are 

 seldom found materially to injure him. 



In this manner we see, that not only humjin want is supplied, but 

 that human wit is sharpened, by the humbler partners of man in the 

 creation. By this we see, that not only their benefits, but their depre- 

 dations are useful, and that it has wisely pleased Providence to place 

 us like victors in a subdued country, where we have all the benefit of 

 conquest, without being so secure as to run into the sloth and excesses 

 of a certain and undisturbed possession. It appears, therefore, that 

 those writers who are continually finding immediate benefit in every 

 production, see but half way into the general system of nature. Ex- 

 perience must every hour inform us, that all animals are not formed 

 for our use ; but we may be equally well assured, that those conveni- 

 ences which we want from their friendship, are well repaid by thai 

 vigilance which we procure from their enmity. 



