418 CONCLUSION. 



As the last mentioned animals are called forth 

 by his boldest efforts, so the numerous tribe of 

 the smaller vermin kind excite his continual vigi- 

 lance and caution ; his various arts and powers 

 have been no where more manifest, than in the 

 extirpation of those that multiply with such pro- 

 digious 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 human 

 want is supplied, but that human wit is sharpen- 

 ed, by the humbler partners of man in the crea- 

 tion. By this we see, that not only their benefits, 

 but their depredations are useful, and that it has 

 wisely pleased Providence to place us like victors 

 in a subdued country, where we have all the be- 

 nefit 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 ani- 

 mals are not formed for our use ; but we may be 

 equally well assured, that those conveniencies 

 which we want from their friendship, are well 

 repaid by that vigilance which we procure from 

 their enmity. 



END OF THE THIRD VOLUME. 



Printed by Walker & Greig, 

 Edinburgh. 



