PREFACE. 



Ix disposing the order of the following work, we have not 

 thought it necessary to confine ourselves strictly within the 

 rules prescribed by systematic writers on this part of Natural 

 History; as it was not so much the object of our plan to 

 lay down a methodical arrangement of the various tribes of 

 four-footed animals, as to give a clear and concise account 

 of the nature, habits, and disposition of each, accompanied 

 with more accurate representations than have hitherto ap- 

 peared in any work of this kind. Our disregard of system, 

 however, has not prevented us from attending to the great 

 divisions of Quadrupeds, so obviously marked out by the 

 hand of Nature and so clearly distinguished that the most 

 careless observer cannot avoid being forcibly struck with an 

 agreement of parts in the outward appearance of the differ- 

 ent individuals of which it consists. 



The intermediate stations, however, have not been always 

 so clearly defined ; these are frequently occupied by charac- 

 ters so dubious that naturalists have not always agreed in 

 ascribing to each its proper place: of this kind are the Ele- 

 phant, the Hippopotamus, the Rhinoceros, the Cameleopard, 

 the Beaver, the Hedge-Hog, the Sloth, the Jerboa, &c., which 

 bear in themselves characteristics so peculiar that they might 

 seem to constitute distinct genera. 



-We have endeavoured to lay before our readers a particu- 

 lar account of the animals with which our own country is 

 abundantly stored, especially of those which so materially 

 contribute to the strength, the wealth, and the happiness of 

 this kingdom; of these the Horse, the Cow, and the Sheep, 

 claim the first place; and in treating of these, we have no- 



VOL. in. a 



266194 



