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IN difpofing the order of the following work, we have not 

 thought it neceffary to confine ourfelves ftrictly within the 

 rules prefcribed by fyftematic writers on this part of Natural 

 Hillory ; as it was not fo much the object of our plan to lay 

 down a methodical arrangement of the various tribes of four- 

 footed animals, as to give a clear and concife account of the 

 nature, habits, and difpolition of each, accompanied with more 

 accurate reprefentations that have hitherto appeared in any work 

 of this kind. Our difregard of fyftem, however, has not pre- 

 vented us from attending to the great divifions of Quadrupeds, 

 fo obvioufly marked out by the hand of Nature, and fo clearly 

 diftinguiftied, that the moll carelefs obferver cannot avoid being 

 forcibly ftruck with an agreement of parts in the outward ap- 

 pearance of the different individuals of which each confifts. 



The intermediate ftations, however, have not been always fo 

 clearly defined ; thefe are frequently occupied by characters fo 

 dubious, that naturalifts have not always agreed in afcribing to 

 each its proper place : Of this kind are the Elephant, the Hip- 

 popotamus, the Rhinoceros, the Cameleopard, the Beaver, the 

 Hedge-hog, the Sloth, the Jerboa, &c. which bear in them- 

 felves characteriftics fo peculiar, that they might feem to confti- 

 tute diftincl: genera. 



We have endeavoured to lay before our readers a particular 

 account of the animals with which our own country is abundant- 

 ly ftored, efpecially of thofe which fo materially contribute to 

 the ftrength, the wealth, and the happinefs of this kingdom ; of 

 thefe the Horfe, the Cow, and the Sheep, claim the firfl; place ; 

 and in treating of thefe, we have noticed the improvements 

 which an enlarged fyftem of agriculture, fupported by a noble 

 fpirit of emulation, has introduced into all parts of the country* 



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