*

arranged quadrupeds also with the same assiduity; and although the number of these is so few as not to exceed two hundred, they have darkened the sub ject with distinctions and divisions, which only serve to puzzle and perplex.

Instead, therefore, of taxing the memory and teasing the patience with such a variety of divisions and subdivisions, I will take leave to class the productions of nature in the most obvious, though not in the most accurate, manner. In natural history, of all other sciences, there is the least danger of obscurity. In morals, or in metaphysics, every definition must be precise, because those sciences are built upon definitions; but it is otherwise in those subjects where the exhibition of the object itself is always capable of correcting the error. Thus it may often happen, that in a lax system of natural history, a creature may be ranked among quadrupeds that belongs more properly to the fish or the insect classes. But that can produce very little confusion; and every reader can thus make a system the most agreeable to his own imagination. It will be of no manner of consequence whether we call a bird or an insect a quadruped, if we are careful in marking all its distinctions: the uncertainty in reasoning, or thinking, that these approximations of the different kinds of animals produce, is but very small, and happens but very rarely, whereas the labour that naturalists have been at to keep the kinds asunder, has been excessive. This, in general, has given birth to that variety of systems which we have just mentioned, each of which seems to be almost as good as the preceding.t

of being rejected; and naturalists ought at the same time to have laboured in acquiring materials from which to construct a natural system. "The natural method," said Linnæus, "is the object at which all naturalists ought to aim."-ED.

In Dr. Shaw's General Zoology, the number of quadrupeds, not including the cetaceous and seal tribes, amount to five hundred and twelve, besides their varieties.

MAMMALIA.-In Wilbrand and Ritsen's Picture of Organized Nature, we have an attempt at distribution of organic beings, according to the laws of latitude; and their distribution, according to the law of elevation jointly with latitude... As the equator appears to be the centre of organic vigour, from which the vivifying principle of heat extends to all parts of the organic world, the natural orders of plants and animals are accordingly marked and classed. The greatest luxuriance of organic life appears to be in the plains of the torrid zone, at the level of the sea. Animals differ from plants, in not adhering, or being bound to the soil. They change the country they inhabit in an arbitrary manner, and the more so as they approach man in perfection. Man extends through all the zones, passes beyond the limits of eternal snow, and descends into the earth, below the limits of terrestrial life. Next to man, in partaking of life, are the mammalia, birds, amphibia, fishes, mollusca, insects, worms, and zoophytes. A certain portion of the earth is appointed to each class, order, or genus, and particularly to each species of animal. In such situations only does each species display its particular properties. A sufficient knowledge of an animal's condition cannot be learned, unless that animal be considered relatively to its

own peculiar and natural situation. The Polar-bear lives only on and between the frozen plains of the North Pole; the lion, only in Africa's burning deserts. The inhabitants of the snow-line of the mountains between the tropics never descend to the warm level, nor do those of the level ascend the mountains as far as the snow-line—each altitude having its peculiar animals. The mammalia remain always in their native country; but birds are subjected to the change of seasons. The marine mammalia are met with in all the seas of the world, but principally in the Polar. Quadruped land mammalia extend from the snow-line to the torrid zone. Apes and monkeys belong to the torrid zone, but extend over a small part of the temperate zone. The whale belongs chiefly to the frozen sea; the spermacetiwhale chiefly inhabits the seas of the southern hemisphere. The dolphin is found in all seas, but chiefly in the north. The walrus and the seal, in the frozen seas of both hemispheres. Ruminating mammalia are com mon to those parts of the earth of which the grasses are native. The hart family extends from the snow-line to the torrid zone-the reindeer and the elk being the most northern species, and the Mexican roe and hart of the Andes the most southern. The camels of the old world belong to the warmer half of the temperate zone; those of the new world, including the llamas, to the grassy plains of the Andes. The ox tribe abounds in the middle of the temperate zones of both hemispheres, but they are domesticated as far north as 60°; and buffaloes are found in the torrid zone. Sheep and goats extend from the snow-line to the torrid zone, but extend in the greatest perfection over the colder half of the temperate zone. The horse is common

Taking, therefore, this latitude, and using method only where it contributes to conciseness or perspicuity, we shall divide animated nature into four classes: namely-Quadrupeds. Birds, Fishes, and Insects. All these seem in genera. pretty well distinguished from each other by nature; yet there are severa. instances in which we can scarce tell whether it is a bird or a quadruped that we are about to examine-whether it is a fish or an insect that offers to our curiosity. Nature is varied by imperceptible gradations: so that no line can be drawn between any two classes of its productions, and no definition made to comprehend them all. However, the distinctions between these classes are sufficiently marked; and their encroachments upon each other are so rare, that it will be sufficient particularly to apprize the reader when they happen to be blended *

All quadrupeds, the number of which, according to Buffon, amounts to but two hundred, may be classed in the following manner :†—

to temperate and warm climates, and is incompatible with each other-the one being found wild in Arabia and Java. The limit intended to make us acquainted with indito the spreading of the horse by domestica- viduals; and the other, founded on an action is 66° north latitude. Carniverous ani- quaintance with individuals, to combine them mals extend over all the zones, but are most according to their characters, so as to abridge numerous and terrific under the scorching the labour of reasoning, and to enable us to sunbeams of the torrid zone. The dog ex- ascend from particular to general truths.tends from the limit of perpetual snow to the Division and separation is the end of the torrid zone in both hemispheres, terminating artificial system; to establish agreements is with the jackal and hyæna. The bear be- the end of the natural. In one case we realongs to the coldest half of the temperate son a priori, in the other, a posteriori. The zone, but some species are found in the prevalent error of the day, is the attempt to Andes. The cat genus is fiercest and most generalize where we ought to analyze. It is numerous in the hottest countries of the ridiculous, in the present state of our know. globe; towards the middle of the temperate ledge, to assign to each individual a certain zone, it diminishes into the wild cat. In place in nature; for, though some groups are Kamschatka, Greenland, Lapland, and Ice- so evidently marked, that the individuals land, there are no cats; nor does the lynx in composing them are united by the operation Europe extend further than Norway. The of the mind at the first glance, yet a mass civets and weasel belong to the torrid and will always remain which cannot be referred the warmer half of the temperate zone; sa- to families strikingly distinguishable.-ED. bles, martens, ermines, stoats, and the common weasel, spread northwards in great numbers; but as they prefer woody tracks, they are seldom found beyond 70° north latitude. Moles, shrews, and hedgehogs inhabit both the temperate and torrid zones. The common mole lives throughout Europe, in Barbary, and in Northern Asia. The common hedgehog lives in the warmer parts of Europe: it is found in Norway, but not in Iceland or Lapland. Opossums inhabit the warm countries of America and New Holland. Bats extend over the whole earth. Dormice are most numerous in the torrid zone, but are also frequent in the temperate. The families of mice, squirrels, and hares are found in every part of the habitable globe. Beavers belong to the coldest half of the temperate zone; cavies to the warmer parts of the new world; porcupines to the warmest parts of the temperate zones of both hemispheres. The swine genus is much diffused: it belongs to the warmer parts of the tempe

rate zones.

* SYSTEMS IN NATURAL HISTORY.-The artificial and natural systems aim at two very distinct objects, which are in some measure

MAMMALIA. The class of mammiferous animals is placed at the head of the animal kingdom-not only because it is the class to which Man belongs, but because it is that which possesses the most numerous faculties, the most delicate sensations, and the greatest variety of action, and in which the assemblage of all their qualities appear so combined, as to produce an intelligence more perfect, more fertile in resources, less the slave of instinct, and more capable of progressive perfection, than what is found in any other classes. The class is called by Cuvier, Mammiferous; by Linnæus, Mammàlia, from the Latin word mamma, breasts or teats, by which the animals composing it suckle their young. In all mammiferous animals, the generation is essentially viviparous; and, as just now stated, they nourish their young with their milk. There has, however, been one singular animal discovered in New Holland, which possesses mest of the characteristics of mammiferous animals; but naturalists are not decided whether it be viviparous or oviparous. This animal is called by Blumenbach the Ornithorhyncus paradoxicus. Should it prove to be ovipa

First, those of the Horse kind. This class contains the Horse, the Ass, and the Zebra. Of these, none have horns; and their hoof is of one solid piece.

The second class are those of the Cow kind; comprehending the Urus, the Buffalo, the Bison, and the Bonassus. These have cloven hoofs, and chew the cud.

The third class is that of the Sheep kind; with cloven hoofs, and chewing the cud, like the former. In this is comprehended the Sheep, the Goat, the Llama, the Vigogne, the Gazella, the Guinea Deer, and all of a similar form.

The fourth class is that of the Deer kind, with cloven hoofs, and with solid horns, that are shed every year. This class contains the Elk, the Rein-deer, the Stag, the Buck, the Roe-buck, and the Axis.

The fifth class comprehends all those of the Hog kind, the Peccary, and the Baby rouessa.

The sixth class is that numerous one of the Cat kind. This comprehends the Cat, the Lion, the Panther, the Leopard, the Jaguar, the Cougar, the Jaguarette, the Lynx, the Ounce, and the Catamountain. These are all carnivorous, and furnished with crooked claws, which they can sheath and unsheath at pleasure. The seventh class is that of the Dog kind, carnivorous, and furnished with claws like the former, but which they cannot sheath. This class comprehends the Dog, the Wolf, the Fox, the Jackal, the Isatis, the Hyæna, the Civette, the Gibet, and the Genet.

The eighth class is that of the Weasel kind, with a long, small body, with five toes or claws on each foot-the first of them separated from the rest, like a thumb. This comprehends, the Weasel, the Martin, the Pole-cat, the Ferret, the Mangoust, the Vansire, the Ermine, with all the varieties of the American Moufettes.

The ninth class is that of the Rabbit kind, with two large cutting teeth in each jaw. This comprehends the Rabbit, the Hare, the Guinea pig, all the various species of the Squirrel, the Dormouse, the Marmotte, the Rat, the Mouse, Agouti, the Paca, the Aperea, and the Tapeti.

The tenth class is that of the Hedgehog kind; with claw feet, and covered with prickles, comprehending the Hedgehog and the Porcupine, the Couando, and the Urson.

The eleventh class is that of the Tortoise kind, covered with a shell, or scales. This comprehends the Tortoise, the Pangolin, and the Phataguin.

The twelfth is of the Otter, or amphibious kind-comprehending the Otter, the Beaver, the Desman, the Morse, and the Seal.

The thirteenth class is that of the Ape and Monkey kinds, with hands, and feet resembling hands.

The fourteenth class is that of winged quadrupeds, or the Bat kind, containing the Bat, the Flying Squirrel, and some other varieties.

The animals which seem to approach no other kind, either in nature or in form, but to make each a distinct species in itself, are the following: the Elephant, the Rhinoceros, the Hippopotamus, the Camelopard, the Camel, the Bear, the Badger, the Tapir, the Cabrai, the Coati, the Antbear, the Tatou, and lastly, the Sloth.

All other quadrupeds, whose names are not set down, will be found among some of the above-mentioned classes, and referred to that which they most resemble. When, therefore, we are at a loss to know the name of any particular animal, by examining which of the known kinds it most resembles, either in shape, or in hoofs, or claws; and then, examining the particular description, we shall be able to discover not only its name, but its history.*

rous, it ought, says Cuvier, in some respects, to be considered as forming a particular class.

CUVIERIAN SYSTEM OF ZOOLOGY.-Cuvier, in his System, thus forms the four subdivisions or classes of vertebrated animals, which are-Class 1. Mammiferous Animals, which

bring forth their young alive and suckle them, being provided with teats, (Latin, mamma,) whence the name is derived. Class 2. Birds. Class 3. Reptiles. Class 4. Fish. The general plan of the skeleton is the same in each class, though it admits of considerable modifications, as may be perceived by the

glossy smoothness of his skin, the graceful ease of his motions, and the exact symmetry of his shape, have taught us to regard him as the first, and as the most perfectly formed; and yet, what is extraordinary enough, if we examine him internally, his structure will be found the most different from that of man of all other quadrupeds whatsoever. As the ape approaches us the nearest in internal conformation, so the horse is the most remote: a striking proof that there may be oppositions of beauty, and that all grace is not to be referred to one standard.

To have an idea of this noble animal in his native simplicity, we are not to look for him in the pastures, or the stables, to which he has been consigned by man; but in those wild and extensive plains where he has been ORIGINALLY produced, where he ranges without control, and riots in all the variety or luxurious nature. In this state of happy independence, he disdains the assistance of man, which only tends to servitude. In those boundless tracts, where he runs at liberty, he seems no way incommoded with the inconveniences to which he is subject in Europe. The verdure of the fields supplies his wants; and the climate that never knows a winter suits his constitution, which naturally seems adapted to heat. His enemies of the forest are but few, for none but the greater kinds will venture to attack him; any one of these he is singly able

*As it may happen that, in a description where it is the aim rather to insert what is not usually known, than all that is known, some of the more obvious particulars may be omitted; I will take leave to subjoin in the notes the characteristic marks of each animal, as given us by Linnæus. The Horse, with six cutting teeth before, and single-hoofed ; a native of Europe and the East, (but I rather believe of Africa); a generous, proud, and strong animal; fit either for the draught, the course, or the road; he is delighted with woods; he takes care of his hinder parts; defends himself from the flies with his tail; scratches his fellow; defends its young; calls by neighing; sleeps after nightfall; fights by kicking, and by biting also; rolls on the ground when he sweats; eats the grass closer than the ox; distributes the seed by dunging; wants a gall bladder; never vomits; the foal is produced with the feet stretched out; he is injured by being struck on the ear; upon the stiffle; by being caught by the nose in barnacles; by having his teeth rubbed with tallow; by the herb padus; by the herb phalandria; by the cruculio; by the conops. His diseases are different in different countries. A consumption of the ethmoid bones of the nose, called the glanders, is with us the most infectious and fatal. He eats hemlock without injury. The mare goes with foal 290 days. The placenta is not fixed. He acquires not the canine teeth till the age of five years. + Histoire Naturelle, Daubenton, vol. vii. page 374.

classes are oviparous; and if we contrast them together with the first class, we shall find certain resemblances which indicate in the three

classes, birds, fishes, and reptiles, a special plan of organization, comprised in the general plan of all vertebrated animals.