HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 23 



The OX Kind. 



OF all quadrupeds, the Cow feems moft extenfively 

 propagated : It is equally capable of enduring the 

 rigours of heat and cold ; and it is an inhabitant of the 

 frozen, as well as the moft fcorching climates. Other 

 animals preferve their nature or their form with inflexible 

 perfeverance •, but thefe, in every refpecl, fuit themfelves 

 to the wants and conveniences of mankind. In no ani- 

 mal is theie to be met with a greater variety of kinds; 

 and in none, a more humble and pliant difpofition. 



The climate and paftures of Great-Britain are well 

 adapted to the moderate nature of this animal ; and we 

 are indebted to the variety and abundance of our whole- 

 fome vegetables, for the number and excellence of our 

 cattle, which range over our hills, and enliven our plains 

 — a fource of inexhauftible wealth — the pride and boaft of 

 this happy country. 



Being deftitute of the upper fore teeth, the Cow pre- 

 fers the high and rich grafs in paftures, to the fhort and 

 more delicate herbage the Horfe generally felects. For 

 this reafon, in our Englifh paftures, where the grafs is 

 rather high and fiouriihing, than fucculent and nutritious, 

 the Cow thrives admirably ; and there is no part of Eu- 

 rope in which this animal grows larger, yields more milk, 

 nor fattens fooner. 



It has often been remarked, that the Horfe and Sheep 

 impoverifh the foil on which they graze ; whilft the paf- 

 ture where the Cow is fed, acquires a finer furface, and 

 every year becomes more level and beautiful : The Horfe 

 felects the grafs that is moft delicate and tender; and, 

 being furnifhed with fore teeth on each jaw, nips f| 



B 4 



