An history of the earth, and animated nature. Vol. II. / [Oliver Goldsmith].

  • Oliver Goldsmith
Date:
[1813?]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An history of the earth, and animated nature. Vol. II. / [Oliver Goldsmith]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    mestic and tame in those countries which have been civi- lized, savage and wild in the countries which are less peopled, but capable of being made useful in all; able to defend itself in a state of nature against the most power- ful enemy of the forest; and only subordinate to man, whose force it has experienced, and whose aid it at last seems to require. However wild the calves are, which are taken from the dam in a savage state, either in Africa or Asia, they soon become humble, patient, and familiar; and man may be considered in those countries, as almost helpless without their assistance. Other animals pre- serve their nature or their form with inflexible perse- verance; but these, in every respect, suit themselves to the appetites and conveniences of mankind ; and as their shapes are found to alter, so also does their nature; in no animal is there seen a greater variety of kinds, and in none a more humble and pliant disposition. THE BUFFALO. IF we should compare the shape of our common cow with that of the bison, the difference will appear very great. The shaggy mane of the latter, the beard, the curled fore- head, the inverted horns, the broad breast, and the narrow hinder parts, give it the appearance rather of a lion than a cow; and fit it more for a state of war with mankind, than a state of servitude. Yet, notwithstanding these appearances, both animals are found to be the same; or at least so nearly allied, that they breed among each other, and propagate a race that continues the kind. On the other hand, if we compare the buffalo with our common cow, no two animals can be more nearly alike, either in their form or their nature; both equally submis- sive to the yoke, both often living under the same roof, and employed in the same domestic services; the make and the turn of their bodies so much alike, that it requires a close attention to distinguish them; and yet, after all this, no two animals can be more distinct, or seem to have stronger antipathies to each other.* Were there but one j * Buffon.
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