ON ZOOLOGY. 115 



ing too heavily on any particular portion. Thus 

 what appears to be at first view an evil, proves 

 upon investigation to be a positive good ; and 

 that which carries with it the external complexion 

 of cruelty, when examined more closely, is found 

 to have originated in the most comprehensive 

 benevolence. 



The creation of animals below the human spe- 

 cies, and the laws by which they are governed, 

 appear to have been intended principally for the 

 wants, and pleasures, and the conveniences of 

 man ; and as these were made to depend upon 

 circumstances, which, by the influence of climate 

 and the progress of civilization, would necessarily 

 be fluctuating; it seemed essential not only that 

 animals should be limited in their numbers by 

 destroying each other, and that their lives more 

 especially be at human disposal, but that they 

 should possess those physical and intellectual 

 peculiarities which in so remarkable a degree 

 distinguish them from the vegetable part of the 

 creation. 



As on the present occasion it is my intention 

 to confine myself to general observations, it 

 will sufficiently answer my purpose, without en- 

 tering upon the nicer distinctions of structure, to 

 mention a few of those physical properties which 

 appertain to animals in common, but especially to 

 the more perfect ones, through whose agency 



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