ZOOLOGtr. 



purposes to which the different species are applied in 

 other countries. No method is calculated to gain this infor* 

 mation so satisfactorily as visiting foreign countries, and ob- 

 taining this kind of knowledge with the Animals themselves; 

 as it often happens that much useful information maj b© 

 gathered on this head by the inquisitiye Naturalist, whosa 

 pursuits, if only confined to the mere procuring of new or 

 rare kinds of Animals, though they may serve to amuse, 

 are comparitively yet trifling additions to our present stock 

 of knowledge ; unless accompanied with the history, habits, 

 useful properties, or other instructive information illustra- 

 tive of the (Economy of the species thus obtained. As every 

 addition to what is already known of the history of any 

 jpecies of Quadrupeds, must be considered valuable, we shall 

 now proceed to point out those particulars, which should be 

 more immediately attended to in this department. 



On procuring an Animal with which we are unacquainted, 

 the first point to which our attention should be turned, is to 

 ascertain whether it is convertible into food, clothing, or is 

 otherwise applicable to the uses of Man ; whether its skin is 

 of such a nature, as to be serviceable in trade or commerce • 

 whether it possesses Glands for the secretion of Musk, or 

 other unctuous matter; whether from its size or nature it is 

 likely to be reducible to Agricultural purposes, and most 

 particularly to what purposes, (if any,) and by what means, 

 it is rendered subservient to the uses or comforts of the in- 

 habitants of the country where it is a native ; or should its 

 habits be detrimental or obnoxious, what measures are pur- 

 sued to destroy the species, or to avert its mischiefs^ 



