108 
Genus CAPRA. 
We have now arrived at those groups of the Ilu- 
minantia which are of most use to man in a state of 
civilization. Among the various forms, and curious 
and beautiful animals, which we have just been re- 
viewing, we have seen many of very great import- 
ance to man; but the animals and their pursuers 
have been in nearly an equal state of unsubdued 
nature. The large deer of North America are an 
important article in the economy of the natives. Such 
is also the ease with the native tribes of Africa in 
regard to the races of Antelopes ; and the Rein-deer 
and Camel in their respective countries are indis- 
pensable for the commerce and support of their 
owners. The races of Goats, Sheep, and Oxen, 
which are now of such importance wherever man 
claims for himself the title of civilised, have been 
cultivated for his use, and by his care, since the 
commencement of the world. Among tlie first 
of mankind, keeping of sheep, and tilling of the 
ground, were the most common occupations ; and 
that very circumstance of their early domestication, 
and the subjection to such varied circumstances, has 
made many changes and modifications of the forms. 
