BENEFICIAL TO THE HERBIVOROUS. 107 



often short, it is usually a period of uninterrupted gratifica- 

 tion ; whilst the momentary pain of sudden and unexpected 

 death is an evil infinitely small, in comparison with the en- 

 joyments of which it is the termination. 



The inhabitants of the earth have ever been divided into 

 two great classes, the one herbivorous, the other carnivo- 

 rous; and though the existence of the latter may, at first 

 sight seem calculated to increase the amount of animal 

 pain; yet, when considered in its full extent, it will be found 

 materially to diminish it. 



To tlie mind which looks not to general results in the 

 economy of Nature, the earth may seem to present a scene 

 of perpetual warfare and incessant carnage : but the more 

 enlarged view, while it regards individuals in their conjoint 

 relations to the general benefit of their own species, and that 

 of other species with which they are associated in the great 

 family of Nature, resolves each apparent case of individual 

 evil, into an example of subserviency to universal good. 



Under the existing system, not only is the aggregate 

 amount of animal enjoyment much increased, by adding to 

 the stock of life all the races which are carnivorous, but 

 these are also highly beneficial even to the herbivorous 

 races, that are subject to their dominion. 



Besides the desirable relief of speedy death on the ap- 

 proach of debility or age, the carnivora confer a farther 

 benefit on the species which form their prey, as they con- 

 trol their excessive increase, by the destruction of many in- 

 dividuals in youth and health. Without this solitary check, 

 each species would soon multiply to an extent, exceeding in 

 a fatal degree the supply of food, and the whole class of 

 herbivora would ever be so nearlv on the verire of starva- 

 tion, that multitudes would daily be consigned to lingerin'g 

 and painful death by famine. All these evils are superseded 

 by the establishment of a controlling Power in the carni- 

 vora ; by their agency the numbers of each species are 

 maintained in due proportion to one another — the sick, the 



