NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE: PRINTED BY AND FOR S. HODGSON, R. BEILBY, & T. BEWICK, J. ROBINSON, & C. DILLY, LONDON. 1792. [PRICE NINE SHILLINGS IN BOARDS.] 25 IN ADVERTISEMENT. 'N difpofing the order of the following work, we have not thought it neceffary to confine ourselves ftrictly within the rules prescribed by fyftematic writers on this part of Natural Hiftory; as it was not so much the object of our plan to lay down a methodical arrangement of the various tribes of fourfooted animals, as to give a clear and concise account of the nature, habits, and difpofition of each, accompanied with more accurate representations that have hitherto appeared in any work of this kind. Our difregard of fyftem, however, has not prevented us from attending to the great divifions of Quadrupeds, fo obviously marked out by the hand of Nature, and fo clearly distinguished, that the most careless obferver cannot avoid being forcibly ftruck with an agreement of parts in the outward apof the different individuals of which each confifts. The intermediate ftations, however, have not been always fo clearly defined; thefe are frequently occupied by characters so dubious, that naturalifts have not always agreed in afcribing 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 themfelves characteristics so peculiar, that they might seem to constitute diftinct genera. pearance We have endeavoured to lay before our readers a particular account of the animals with which our own country is abundantly ftored, especially of thofe which fo materially contribute to the strength, the wealth, and the happiness of this kingdom; of thefe the Horfe, the Cow, and the Sheep, claim the first place; and in treating of thefe, we have noticed the improvements which an enlarged fyftem of agriculture, fupported by a noble fpirit of emulation, has introduced into all parts of the country. |