ADVERTISEMENT. IN disposing the order of the following work, we have not thought it necessary to confine ourselves strictly within the rules prescribed by systematic writers on this part of Natural History; as it was not so much the object of our plan to lay down a methodical arrangement of the various tribes of four-footed animals, as to give a clear and concise account of the nature, habits, and disposition of each, accompanied with more accurate representations than have hitherto appeared in any work of this kind. Our disregard of system, however, has not prevented us from attending to the great divisions of Quadrupeds, so obviously marked out by the hand of Nature, and so clearly distinguished, that the most careless observer cannot avoid being forcibly struck with an agreement of parts in the outward appearance of the different individuals of which it consists. The intermediate stations, however, have not been always so clearly defined; these are frequently occupied by characters so dubious, that naturalists have not always agreed in ascribing to each its proper place: of this kind are the Elephant, the Hippopotamus, the Rhinoceros, the Cameleopard, the Beaver, the Hedge-hog, the Sloth, the Jerboa, &c. which bear in themselves characteristics so peculiar, that they might seem to constitute distinct genera. We have endeavoured to lay before our readers a particular account of the animals with which our own country is abundantly stored, especially of those which so materially contribute to the strength, the wealth, and the happiness of this kingdom; of these the Horse, the Cow, and the Sheep, claim the first place; and in treating of these, we have noticed the improvements which an enlarged system of agriculture, supported by a noble spirit of emulation, has intro a |