132 CARNIVOROilS RACES 
evil, into an example of subserviency to uni- 
versal good. 
Under the existing system, not only is the 
aggregate amount of animal enjoyment much 
increased, by adding to the stock of life all the 
races which are carnivorous, but these are also 
highly beneficial even to the herbivorous races, 
that are subject to their dominion. 
Besides the desirable relief of speedy death 
on the approach of debility or age, the carni- 
vora confer a further benefit on the species 
whi-ch form their prey, as they control their 
excessive increase, by the destruction of many 
individuals in youth and health. Without this 
salutary check, each species would soon mul- 
tiply to an extent, exceeding in a fatal degree 
their supply of food, and the whole class of 
herbivora would ever be so nearly on the verge 
of starvation, that multitudes would daily be 
consigned to lingering and painful death by 
famine. All these evils are superseded by the 
establishment of a controlling Power in the 
carnivora ; by their agency the numbers of 
each species are maintained in due proportion 
to one another — the sick, the lame, the aged, 
and the supernumeraries, are consigned to 
speedy death ; and while each suffering indi- 
vidual is soon relieved from pain, it contributes 
its enfeebled carcase to the support of its 
carnivorous benefactor, and leaves more room 
