BARON CUVIER. 121 



type, but a means of comparison for the charac- 

 teristic bat simple differences between the otlier 

 species which compose the group. The neces- 

 sity of stating the different names given by 

 various authors, and the discrimination required 

 to separate truth from fable in that which he 

 reported of their economy, demanded the ex- 

 quisite judgment and profound experience which 

 rendered M. Cuvier so capable of the task ; and 

 there was a general eagerness felt, which does 

 credit to naturalists and collectors of all coun- 

 tries, to offer to him every specimen, every dis- 

 covery, every observation, even before the person 

 so offering had himself published the particulars. 

 This was the latest work of magnitude under- 

 taken by M. Cuvier; and it is easy to judge, by 

 solely viewing the rapid growth of this one 

 branch, how every thing advanced under his 

 influence and his personal exertions, and how 

 materials poured upon him from those who were 

 sure of receiving justice from his hands, and 

 many of w^hom, rendered incapable by other 

 pursuits or circumstances of publishing their ob- 

 servations on their own account, were delighted 

 to be mentioned in his pages as among the very 

 humble contributors to his glory. 



But in this publication, which is accompanied 



