INTRODUCTIONS 
vi 
peds demand the rank immediately next t® -our- 
selves ; and, consequently, come first in considera- 
tion. The similitude between the structure of their 
bodies and ours, those instincts which they enjoy 
in a superior degree to the rest, their constant 
services., or fc their unceasing hostilities, all render 
them the foremost objects of our curiosity, and the 
most interesting parts of animated nature. These,, 
very probably, in the beginning, were nearer upon 
an equality with us, and disputed with obstinacy, 
the possession of the earth. Mao, while yet savage 
himself, was but ill qualified to civilize the forest. 
While yet naked, unarmed, and without shelter, 
every wild beast was a formidable rival ; and the de-* 
struct ion of such was the first employment of 
heroes. But when he began to multiply, and arts 
to accumulate, he soon cleared the plains of the 
most noxious of his rivals ; a part was taken under 
Iris protection and care, while the rest found a pre- 
carious refuge in the burning desert, or the howl- 
ing wilderness. 
From being rivals, many quadrupeds have now 
become the assistants of man ; upon them he de- 
volves the most laborious employments, and finds 
in them patient and humble coadjutors, ready to 
obey, and content with the smallest retribution. 
It was not, however, without long and repeated 
efforts that the independent spirit of these animals 
was broken ; for the savage freedom, in wild 
animals, is generally found to pass down through 
several generations before it is totally subdued. 
