the dog-tribe; and, therefore, the proofs of the fact in difpute are not to palpably evident as in the other cafe. Yet we would furely laugh at the abfurdity of that man, who fhould hope to rear a large-boned weighty dray-horse by breeding from a fine Arabian mare and ftallion; or who would expect to have a light-running horse from a father and mother of the dray-breed; let him feed them in whatever manner he may incline. And, although the different breeds of horses are almoft infinite, and few of them fo much different from each other as in the above example, yet it is obfervable, that the prevailing breed in any one diftrict always continues of the fame kind, so long as the inhabitants of that diftrict continue to breed from them, whatever alterations they may make in the general culture of the country, and nature of the paltures. Nor do these horses ever alter their qualities, if they are carried to another diftrict, where another another breed of very oppofite qualities, in general prevails; but each retains its diftinguishing qualities to the laft, although they should continue to eat the fame food, and be treated in every respect alike to the latest hour of their lives. Nor is the cafe in the leaft different with regard to cattle, fheep, and hogs, and perhaps all other animals. For, let a hundred different breeds of either of thefe kinds of animals be brought from as many different places, and fed upon one common pasture as long as you incline, each of these will continue to preferve every mark of diftinction from all the others fo long as it lives. But, if these are allowed to breed promifcuously, the progeny would neceffarily be a mongrel breed, participating of the nature of each of the parents who should have contributed to produce them. Many other arguments might be adduced to fhow, that we have the greatest reason to believe, believe, that each particular breed of other animals propagates its own kind with as little variation as is acknowledged to be the cafe with dogs, so long as they remain unmixed with others. But thefe, to avoid prolixity, I omit.-I could not, however, avoid throwing out these obfervations on a fubject of fo much importance; as the erroneous opinions that have fo long prevailed with regard to it have been, in fome cafes, attended with confequences highly detrimental to the community. If these hints fhall induce others to examine the fubject with attention, I shall be perfectly satisfied. XXXIV. If different breeds of domeftic animals do, on many occafions, poffefs particular qualities, that differ very effentially from thofe poffeffed by other breeds of the fame clafs of T VOL. II. ani animals; and if these qualities are transmisfible to their pofterity without alteration, fo long as the breed remains unadulterated by an admixture with others, it will be a matter of the utmost confequence to the farmer, to be well acquainted with the nature and diftinguishing qualities of every particular breed of all those animals that he may have it in his power to rear; that he may thus be enabled to choose only that particular breed which poffeffes, in the highest degree, those qualities of which he means chiefly to avail himfelf. Wanted, therefore, An exact lift of all the various breeds of domestic animals, with a particular fpecification of all thofe qualities for which each breed is peculiarly remarkable? There feems to be great reafon to believe, that the feveral breeds of domestic animals differ ། differ more from one another with refpect to fome of thofe qualities that may make them more or less valuable to the farmer than is in general apprehended at prefent. The gentlemen of the turf and menage talk with the utmost confidence of different degrees of vigour, perfevering ftrength, hardinefs, and even mental qualifications, if I may use that expreffion, of the different breeds of horses. Those of Spain are much praised, as well for their external beauty as for their judgment and memory. The Barbe is deemed naturally more indolent; although he is capable of as high exertions either of body or mind, when obliged to it, as almost any other : Being in an especial manner, capable of continuing in any violent exertion much longer than most other horses; although the Arabian courfer is by fome thought to poffefs these fame qualities in a still higher degree.—All of thefe require to be nourished with care, and treated with the utmoft circumfpection. On |