98 
RUMINATING ANIMALS. 
tlie wildest and most remote districts. It may be 
here remarked, that, among the deer, the largest 
species seem to be found in the temperate districts. 
The Elk, Wapiti, and Rein-deer, reach even an arc- 
tic latitude, and, in their numbers, afford an abun- 
dant support where other necessaries of life are less 
plentiful. The larger stags also follow the tempe- 
rate and exalted regions. One fine animal, the Red 
Deer, is still found in Britain ; and the mountain 
ranges of India appear to possess more than another 
species. 
Among the other families, the proportion of num- 
bers is less, but the utility of the individuals is 
much increased. Among the Camels, that of the 
ancients can scarcely now be traced in a state of na- 
ture ; but without this creature, the nations of the 
cast could not pass the deserts, and as a beast of 
burden it is invaluable. Other animals belonging to 
this section, and also extensively used, are found on 
the American Andes; but, unless introduced, these 
creatures do not extend either to Africa or India. 
The Giraffe, again, is confined entirely to Africa. 
The tribe of Sheep and Goats are nearly equally dis- 
tributed in the three great continents ; but those of 
graminivorous animals, then, when we could, perhaps, ali- 
ford to harbour these handsome visitors, their instinct, and 
our persecutions, propel them again to their more sterile 
but more peaceful valleys and plains, to recruit their num- 
bers lost during their migration, and to resume their attacks 
upon us when their wants shall again compel them.” — 
Thompson's Travels in South Africa^ v'oh i. p. 260. 
