230 
COMPARATIVE VIEW 
our author, “can vve attribute the inability of the larger animal 
to subsist on natural food, but to a loss of some of that power 
connected with animal life, which, call it what we will, is not 
material, and is greatest when animals are in a condition nearest 
to that of nature?” Habit will go some way in explanation of 
this ; but only some way. There would, indeed, appear to be 
some “ loss” or diminution v of that power connected with 
animal life at all events, it is manifestly weaker or less re- 
sistant in one case than in the other; nor does it seem capable of 
being very sensibly either increased or diminished in the same 
individual ; but to accomplish that end requires a succession of 
generations or changes of constitutions. 
Other striking facts connected with our subject are, that 
while “an endless variety. of form is displayed by domesticated 
animals,” there exists a singular resemblance among wild ones 
of the same race;” and though “disease resulting from in- 
sufficiency of food often reduces them to a miserable condition, 
they either recover entirely or perish ; the natural vigour of a 
racer in a state of nature seems never permanently injured.” 
We may close the “introduction,” from w r hich the foregoing 
observations have been derived, with the following deductions, 
or rather with one out of which springs another; viz. that “en- 
largement of structure (the result of domestication) injures the 
balance of vital and material power ;” for although the animal 
“ having the most muscle can make the greatest muscular ex- 
ertions;” still, “if vve change the nature of the trial, and render 
it one of time or privations, the greater vital power of smaller 
but well-formed animals becomes apparent.” 
In confirmation of these positions, our author has brought 
forward many facts and records ; among which, while some are 
notorious enough, there are others no less curious than interest- 
ing. Our grazing cattle are almost wholly bred on poor lands, 
while our dairy cattle are often reared on rich land ; the conse- 
quences are, that the udders of the latter become more developed, 
and more milk is produced : this milk, however, yielding but 
comparatively scanty proportions of curd or butter, it was 
deemed advisable to cross the improved with a more natural 
and hardier breed, and the produce has turned out a still further 
improvement. And it is to be moreover observed, that, while 
such dairy districts as are distinguished for their rich pastures 
have been driven to this change in their breed, those that occupy 
poorer districts retain their old stock. 
In the grazing breeds of cattle, however, few or no change 
seems to have taken place : they have existed in their present 
form for ages ; and the excellency of their breed is in a great 
measure proved by their great endurance of weather, and priva- 
