ON ZOOLOGY. 137 



ordinary habits, and must be preceded by reflec- 

 tion, and followed by decision, before they can 

 be called into action. 



Thus we observe that nature has been wonder- 

 fully benevolent in its dispensations, in providing 

 each individual, either through the medium of 

 those innate properties which we denominate 

 instinct, or through the superior agency of reason, 

 with all those means of self-defence, enjoyment, 

 and variability of movement, which, while they 

 be fully calculated to answer the desired ends, 

 confer a peculiar grace and dignity upon the 

 kingdom to which each animal belongs ; afford- 

 ing proofs the most irresistible of the omnipotence 

 and wisdom of Him, by whom the animal world 

 was first created and called into life and activity. 

 And as by the aid of our superior reason, we have 

 been entrusted directly or indirectly with the 

 controul of every living substance of inferior attri- 

 butes to our own ; and as it is obvious that ani- 

 mals are not only endued with feeling like our- 

 selves, but from perception also, are in very 

 many instances alive to the treatment they receive 

 from us, and to the affections and antipathies 

 with which our conduct towards them is calcu- 

 lated to inspire; it becomes an imperious duty on 

 our part, never to observe towards them unne- 

 cessary cruelty, or to make them the wanton 

 subject of our sports and diversions. To treat 

 with fostering care and unqualified humanity, 



