94 Checks to Population among the ancient Bk. i. 



possess of moving altogether, and the necessity 

 they frequently feel of exerting this power in 

 search of fresh pasture for their herds. A tribe 

 that is rich in cattle has an immediate plenty of 

 food. Even the parent stock may be devoured 

 in case of absolute necessity. The women live 

 in greater ease than among nations of hunters, 

 and are consequently more prolific. The men, 

 bold in their united strength, and confiding in 

 their power of procuring pasture for their cattle 

 by change of place, feel probably but few fears 

 about providing for a family. These combined 

 causes soon produce their natural and invariable 

 effect, an extended population. A more frequent and 

 rapid change of place then becomes necessary. 

 A wider and more extensive territory is succes- 

 sively occupied. A broader desolation extends 

 all around them. Want pinches the less fortu- 

 nate members of the society ; and at length the 

 impossibility of supporting such a number toge- 

 ther becomes too evident to be resisted. Young 

 scions are then pushed out from the parent stock, 

 and instructed to explore fresh regions, and to 

 gain happier seats for themselves by their 

 swords. 



" The world is all before them where to choose." 



Restless from present distress, flushed with the 

 hope of fairer prospects, and animated with the 

 spirit of hardy enterprise, these daring adven- 

 turers are likely to become formidable adver- 

 saries to all who oppose them. The inhabitants 



