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REVIEW — TH E NATURALIST’S LIBRARY. 
proving prolific when crossed with individuals of pure species, by 
no means bears out the author’s hypothesis, that a true hybrid 
race could possibly be permanently established between the 
zebra, the quagga, and the dauw. Had the Author of Nature 
allowed this fusion of species, the whole animal world, ere this, 
would have presented a scene of confusion; its tribes would be 
everywhere blended together, and we should find more hybrid 
creatures than genuine and uncorrupted ones. Why, the mar- 
vellous births of Virgil’s air-born coursers is not more extraor- 
dinary and unnatural : 
Ore omnes versae in Zephyrum, stant rupibus altis,— 
Expectantque leves auras : et ssepe sine ullis, 
Conjugiis, verto gravida;, mirabile dictu. 
The very distinction of species implies a considerable difference 
in several respects, and proves that species have a real existence 
in nature. On looking through nature’s vast and varied range, we 
observe the whole earth teeming with rational harmonies; but 
man, — ephemeral, laborious man, — in attempting to establish a 
permanently distinct species, by blending together a male and 
female of qualities and habits essentially opposed to each other, 
would, if allowed, very soon produce a race of monsters. For- 
tunately, the resistance of nature overcomes our feeble efforts, and 
“ Like a generous horse, 
Shews most true metal when you check his course.” 
By studying attentively the peculiar character bestowed upon 
the different species, with their wants and peculiar habits, we 
shall have -sufficient proofs of the error of such opinions as are 
advanced by the author. We need not say more ; for on this 
great theme kind Nature keeps a school to teach her sons herself. 
“ Unerring Nature, still divinely bright, 
One clear, unchanged, and universal light, 
Life, fire, and beauty, must to all impart, 
At once the source, and end, and test of art.” 
We again most cordially recommend this volume to the notice 
of our various readers, as a work that should be placed in the 
library of every student of nature. 
K. 
