Lheir Nature and Properties. 3 
of all the Living wait on Him, who gives 
them their Meat in due Seafon. 
But how infinitely condefcending and in- | 
dulgent has He been to the Human Species, 
(who are placed in more honourable Stations, 
occupy and act in more exalted Spheres, 
agreeably to their fuperior Capacities and 
'Powers;) in appointing and providing fo 
great‘a Number and Variety of inferior Crea- 
tures, (Beafts, Birds, Fifhes, Gc.) not only 
for neceflary Ufes, but alfo for their Plea- 
fure and Delight. 
_ In this Number the Subjects of the fol- 
lowing Hiftory, in many Refpects fervice- 
able ‘to Mankind, may very juftly be in- 
cluded. 
But their Nature and furpaffing Excel- 
-lencies are the Subject of the prefent En- 
quiry. eh 
How mean foever they may appear to the 
_ major Part of Mankind, I hope to make it 
evident, to every attentive and ingenious Rea- 
der, that they are in reality the moft no- 
ble and excellent, moft charming and va- 
luable, of all Infects. ~ ) 
_ As fuch, they have for feveral fucceffive 
Centuries employed (mec immerito) many 
learned Pens, both of Philofophers, Phy fici- 
ans, Divines, and others, tho’ of very dif- 
ferent Sentiments ; who have favoured the 
World with their various Remarks, and ufe-_ 
ful Reflections; but in my humble Opinion \. 
rm } Bd? ae SnGia very 
