108 ON ZOOLOGY. 



experience has been concentrated and reduced 

 to one established system, we cannot do better 

 than follow that of Linngeus ; which, though de- 

 fective in some of its analogies, is sufficiently 

 explicit to qualify us by due application to become 

 acquainted with the several individuals to which 

 it has reference.* 



As I propose to enter particularly upon the 

 history of each animal upon some future occasion, 

 I now beg to remark that the general circum- 

 stances of animals most deserving of your notice, 

 are those peculiar attributes which distinguish 

 them from vegetables ; the structure and func- 

 tions of their more important organs ; their habits 

 and propensities; the measure of their intellectual 

 capacities ; and how, and in what manner, they 

 contribute to the happiness and welfare of our 

 own species. 



When we contemplate the variety of living sub- 

 stances with all their capabilities and movements 

 which constitute the animal kingdom ; and when 

 we observe the order and uniformity with which, 

 through some superior agency, each performs its 

 respective duties uninfluenced by the other, and 

 the peculiar mechanism by which these various 

 attributes are acquired ; we are at a loss how to 



* For the information of such of our readers as may be 

 desirous of comparing the new systems with that of Linnaeus ; 

 we have subjoined, at the end of our lecture, condensed tables 

 of the classifications of Cuvier and Blumenbach. 



