ORDER CARNASSIER. S3 



well as vegetable, having played its part, dies, but still is 

 essential, by administering to the necessities of its survi- 

 vors, more or less, directly of either kind. 



It may be observed, that flesh decomposed is much more 

 favourable to the sustentation of the living plant, even than 

 vegetable compost. Abstract the immaterial anima there- 

 fore from the flesh, and in its elements, at least, it is nearly 

 allied to the mere vegetables. 



The conclusion, from these premises, therefore, if cor- 

 rect, appears to be, that all aliment, which must be either 

 flesh or vegetable, however dissimilar in present character, 

 is essentially the same. 



The food of animals is, to a certain extent, a subject of 

 volition and choice, but they are restricted in their election 

 by physical adaptations. Many of the order before us, have 

 not the power either of masticating or digesting vegetable 

 substances, others can do it partially — the former possess 

 strength, agility, and the power of enduring abstinence to 

 a very great degree, the latter sort possess these qualities, 

 proportioned to the necessity for carnivorous regimen ; and 

 all are endowed according to such necessities, With an ap- 

 petite and mental impulse for destruction, by a power 

 over which they can exercise no control. 



It may, perhaps, be questioned whether some of the feel- 

 ings to which we might wish to give another Origin, as a 

 taste for sport, as it is called, by the destruction, in various 

 ways, of less powerful beings, do not owe its existence to 

 some such principle inherent even in the mind of man. 



The several physical peculiarities, above alluded to, 

 which are displayed most obviously in the teeth, may be ob- 

 served to form the principal grounds of the subdivisions of 

 this order, combined with other characters more obvious, 

 perhaps, to the senses, but less comprehensive in extent. 



G 2 



