rsvi INTRODUCTION. 
However,, the rule is general among all qua- 
drupeds, that those which are large and formida- 
ble produce but a few at a time : while such as 
are small and contemptible are extremely prolific,, 
The lion, or tiger, have seldom above two cubs at 
a litter : while the cat, that is of a similar nature* 
is usually seen to have five or six. In this manner* 
the lower tribes become extremely numerous ; and* 
but for this surprising fecundity, from their natu- 
ral weakness, they would quickly be extirpated. 
The breed of mice, for instance, would have long 
since been blotted from the earth, were the mouse 
as slow in production as the elephant. But it has 
been wisely provided that such animals as can 
make but little resistance, should at least have a 
means of repairing the destruction^ which they 
must often suffer, by their quick reproduction; 
that they should increase even among enemies, 
and multiply under the hand of the destroyer. On 
the other hand, it has as wisely been ordered by 
Providence, that the larger kinds should produce 
but slowly ; otherwise, as they require propor- 
tional supplies from nature, they would quickly con- 
sume their own store ; and, of consequence, many 
of them would soon perish through want ; so that 
life would thus be given without the necessary 
means of subsistence. In a word. Providence has 
most wisely balanced the strength of the great 
against the weakness of the little. Since it was 
necessary that some should be great and others 
mean* since it was expedient that some should live 
