23 FIRST CLASS. 



her of varieties which have all been ingrafted on one 

 parent stock by cultivation. Even the very appetites and 

 habitudes of quadrupeds undergo a change, by the effects 

 of human ingenuity. They may be taught to live on 

 food which in a state of nature they would reject ; and to 

 perform labours that not only evince docility but sagacity, 

 and a desire to please. 



On the other hand, some animals altogether lose even 

 their natural instincts in the society of man. In those 

 solitudes, where they are seldom disturbed, beavers pos- 

 sess abundant ingenuity, and live in a state of social order; 

 but let man intrude, and their ingenuity dies away, or is 

 not exerted ; and their union is partially dissolved. 



Next to human control, the climate seems to have the 

 the most powerful influence on quadrupeds, in augment- 

 ing or diminishing their size, and in varying their colours 

 or their coverings. Providence, in its wisdom, has fur- 

 nished the animals of cold countries with long warm hair ; 

 remove them to warm latitudes, and it becomes short and 

 thin : again, transplant the natives of the tropics to the 

 hyperborean regions, and they speedily assume a dress 

 adapted to the rigours of their situation. 



The influence of climates is likewise very perceptible 

 on the disposition and character. Under the line and near 

 the pole,, quadrupeds are fierce and untractable ; in tem- 

 perate latitudes they are generally docile and mild. Has 

 not the climate a most potent effect on man also ? Are 

 not the perfection of the human form, the beauty of the 

 human face, the sublimities of genius, and perhaps the 

 best virtues of the heart, more or less affected by situa- 

 tion? External impressions seem to be sensibly felt 

 throughout all the regions of nature; and both rational 

 and irrational beings must submit to their influence. 



I shall conclude this cursory review of quadrupeds by 

 a general remark, that animals are more prolific in pro- 

 portion to their smaller size. Providence has wisely ba- 

 lanced the strength of the great against the fecundity of 

 the little, that no species may be entirely extinguished ; 



