CHAP. IX, 



Varieties in the Generation of Animals. 



THE nutrition and the reprodudtion of a- 

 nimals and of vegetables, are thus efFeded 

 by the fame matter. It is a fubftance univerfal- 

 ly prolific, and compofed of organic particles, 

 the union of which gives rife to all organized 

 bodies. Nature always works on the fame flock, 

 and this flock is inexhauftible. But the means 

 fhe employs to give it value are various ; and 

 thefe general varieties and affinities merit the at- 

 tention of philofophers, becaufe from them we 

 are enabled to account for particular exceptions 

 to the common plan of her operations. 



In general, large animals are lefs prolific than 

 fmall ones. The whale, the elephant, the rhi- 

 noceros, the horfc, man, &c. produce but one, 

 and very rarely two, at a birth. But fmall ani- 

 mals, as rats, herrings, and infects, produce a 

 great number. Does this difference proceed 

 from the greater quantity of nourifhment ne- . 

 ceflliry to fupport the large animals tlian the 

 fmall, and from the former having a Icfs pro- 

 portional quantity of fuperfluous nutritive par- 

 ticles, 



