NATURAL HISTORY. 
l6 
to be adapted with the moft admirable pro- 
portion ; for, were the fmaller and weaker to 
have lefs offspring, their race might be de- 
flroyed, by being fo frequently made the prey 
of ftronger animals. 
Courage . — In defence of their young, no 
danger or terror can drive animals from their 
proteeftion. Such as have force, and fubuft by 
rapine, are molt formidable in their ferocious 
courage. 
Generation . — Each fpecies of quadrupeds 
bring forth their young at the time when na- 
ture molt plenteoully affords them their ref- 
petilivc nutriment. Thole animals which 
hoard up provifions for the winter, produce 
their young in January, by which time they 
are enabled to colle£t fufficieut fubliltence for 
their offspring. Qiiadrupeds whicli are called 
oviparoui, fi'om being hatched from eggs, fuch 
as the crocodile, turtle, &c. are the molt pro- 
lific, being no Iboncr freed from the fliell than 
they attain their utmoft ftate of animal per- 
feftion. 
Every fpecies of animal has its peculiar 
cry, by which they diltinguifli each other, 
and communicate the general expreffions of 
their palfions, as fear, joy, delire &c. Thus 
has the all wile, bountiful, and divine crea- 
tor, in his infinite wifdom, formed a race 
of animals for the ufe of mankind, and 
granted us dominion over tliem, which fliould 
never be cxcrcifed but with the greateft hu- 
manity. 
