20 



combats with one another ; and thus do 

 they acquire the art of self-defence, and 

 of shunning danger. That some kinds of 

 animals, and some individuals in particular, 

 have a strong propensity to combat is evi- 

 dent, for they are known to fight when 

 grievously mutilated, and even till they 

 die. That man also possesses this kind of 

 animal courage, this propensity to combat 

 and contend, is well known to the English, 

 for it forms a striking feature in their na- 

 tional character. The people actually seem 

 fond of boxing, wrestling, and cudgel-play- 

 ing, and become liardy and resolute by 

 such practices. 



or THE PROPENSITY TO DESTROY. 



That predacious animals have a strong 

 propensity to destroy others, is evident ; for 

 when not impelled by want, they injure, 

 and kill them. This is chiefly seen in ani- 

 mals of the cat kind, though the lion, the 



