PREFACE. 
Xlll 
is conducted in the wisest manner for the 
welfare of each individual, and that all is 
harmony, from the ourang-outang, (whose 
striking resemblance both in outward ap- 
pearance and inward conformation has 
ranked him, with naturalists, above the other 
inhabitants of the forest,) down to the ten- 
der polype, which forms the connecting link 
between the animal and the vegetable king- 
dom. Among the quadrupeds we meet with 
instances of sagacity, of faithfulness, of do- 
cility, and many other good qualities, from 
which mankind derive innumerable bene- 
fits. In birds we may observe a wonderful 
instinctive faculty guiding them in the for- 
mation of their nests, in the rearing of their 
young, and in their periodical migrations 
from one part of the world to another. If 
we continue to descend, we shall still find 
the animal inhabitants of the earth busied 
in those respective, though humble, occupa- 
tions to which it has pleased the Creator to 
appoint them ; and from the lives of many 
may be drawn lessons of industry, patience, 
