7*2 CLASS MAMMALIA. 



exhibit a plan of organization peculiarly proper to 

 themselves in the vertebrated division of the animal 

 creation. 



THE FIRST CLASS OF VERTEBRATED 

 ANIMALS. 



THE MAMMALIA. 



The mammalia are placed at the head of the animal 

 kingdom, not only because it is the class to which 

 we ourselves belong, but also because all the species 

 included in it enjoy the most numerous faculties, 

 the most delicate sensations, and the most varied 

 powers of motion ; and because all their different 

 properties combined appear to produce in them a 

 more perfect intelligence. Hence are they more 

 fertile in resources, less subjected perhaps to the 

 influence of instinct, and altogether more capable of 

 improvement. 



As the quantity of respiration in the mammalia is 

 moderate, so generally speaking, these animals are 

 formed for walking on the earth, but, at the same 

 time with great force and permanence of exertion. 

 To this end all the articulations of their frame have 

 strictly defined conformations, which determine all 

 their motions with rigorous precision. 



Some, however, can raise themselves in the air 

 by means of limbs considerably elongated, and con- 

 nected by extensible membranes. Others, again ? 



