Changes of Timber and Plants^ Esfc. 297 



itself hiirhly interesting; but when it is considered that 

 the collection was made by an individual without for- 

 tune, or any important assistance from others in the first 

 stages of its progress, the result is really astonishing. 



I shall, at some future period of leisure, draw toge- 

 ther some facts relative to the position I have taken, that 

 changes of race or locality, are necessary to prevent or 

 remedy the deterioration of animals. And this with no 

 desire to enter into controversy, or merely to support 

 an opinion ; but for the consideration of those interested 

 in such subjects. 



I shall when treating on the subject, make use (inter 

 alia) of the following facts, furnished to me by Mr. Peale'^s 

 pamphlet. They will shew a tendency in nature to 

 changes, in the animal kingdom; by exterminating 

 whole races, or species of animals, to be succeeded by 

 others entirely different. I shall not deem it necessary 

 to enter into delicate questions, on this subject. It ^w\\\ 

 be enough for m.y purpose that the haunts of these e:jt- 

 tinct animals are occupied by different species. 



I find in Mr. PeaWs account, that *'four animals of 

 enormous magnitude have formerly existed in America^ 

 perhaps at the same time, and of natures very opposite. 

 1st. The mammotlu carnivorous. 2nd. An animal 

 whose graminivorous teeth, larger than, and different 

 from, those of the elephant^ are sometimes found. 3d. 

 The great Indian bidl: and 4th. An animal probably of 

 the sloth kind, as appears, on a comparison with the 

 bones found in Virginia, and a skeleton found in South 

 America, and preserved in the museum at Madrid,^^ 

 Mr. Peak cites an interesting memoir of M. Cuvier 



** whose researches into this subject have been indefa- 



G 3 



