MAMMALIA. 25 



and for the inoffensive order of animals, the most savage 

 are few in number; and the rest are either timid or irre- 

 solute, unless when impelled by hunger, trusting in gene- 

 ral rather to cunning than to force. 



The arts of those that pursue, however, are not more 

 various than the subtle devices of their prey to escape 

 destruction. Indeed, were it otherwise, the feeble race of 

 animals would soon cease to exist ; and the more ferocious 

 would be compelled to prey upon each other, till they 

 were utterly exterminated also. 



The lion, the tiger, and other predaceous animals, sel- 

 dom come abroad during the day, but trust to the night 

 for a supply of food. Thus man, who uses the interval 

 of darkness as a season of repose, is not subjected to 

 their attacks ; and those creatures which are the object of 

 their pursuit, either find safety by flight, or shelter and 

 protection by sagacity. Some place a sentinel to warn 

 them of approaching danger, and relieve each other in 

 that situation by turns ; others form a phalanx for their 

 mutual security, and in the union of numbers find a 

 means to counterbalance the assaults of individual 

 strength. 



Wild animals generally seek the most sequestered re- 

 treats, and shun the presence of man, who thus reigns 

 undisputed lord of this nether world ; the weaker fly to 

 him for protection, and he knows how to tame the most 

 ferocious. He destroys or saves, as suits his convenience 

 or his will : his superior power creates a desert, or peoples 

 a wilderness with passive or obedient slaves. 



Animals in a savage state are subject to few alterations ; 

 but continue for ages the same in size, shape, and colour. 

 Yet no sooner are they subdued and taken under the care 

 of man, than their figure, and even their very nature., is 

 gradually changed. A domestic animal, in particular, is 

 humble, patient, and resigned ; it cheerfully fills up the 

 duties of its station ; it is not averse to labour, and is satis- 

 fied with subsistence. 



In the horse, the dog, and the cow, we perceive a num- 

 c 



