CHAP. 1¥. 



ANIMALS or THE UNITED STATES. 



The magnitude which any animal will attain, 

 seems to depend much upon its original constitution, 

 the climate, and proper nourishment. Nature has 

 also fitted each quadruped for the climate in which 

 it was originially placed ; and in that climate only, 

 will it attain its proper perfection. The lion would 

 lose it5 fierceness, and perish, if it was removed to 

 Lapland ; and the rein deer would diminish and die, 

 if it was carried to the sandy deserts of Africa, In 

 those climates only, to which nature has adapted 

 each animal, will it attain its greatest magnitude, and 

 most perfect form. The animal, to which nature has 

 thus assigned its proper constitution and climate, 

 must be preserved and supported by proper food or 

 nourishment. A deficiency here will bring on lean- 

 ness, impotency, a diminution of size, and a gradual 

 waste and consumption of the whole species. But 

 ivhen the climate and the food are both suited to the 

 natural constitution of the animal, their joint influence 

 will produce the greatest size or magnitude, that 

 species will admit.* 



* For some interesting observations on Buffon's assertions respect- 

 ing the small size of the American animals, see Mr. Jefferson's Notes 

 on Virginia i dnd Clavigero*s History of Mexico. 



