Page:An Account of Corsica (1769).djvu/84

74 creatures which his almighty hand hath formed, to be absolutely annihilated.

There are hares enough in Corsica, but no rabbits; though Polybius, when talking of the animals of this inland, fays there are rabbits, and is very minute as to their form and qualities; saying, that at a distance, one would take them to be little hares, but when they are caught, a great difference is perceived, both in their appearance and taste. There are here no wolves, nor any of the larger wild beasts, unless foxes can be reckoned so, which are here indeed extremely large and ravenous. It is said, they not only destroy sheep, but have been known to devour even foals.

There is also a variety of birds in Corsica; the eagle, the vulture, wood-pidgeon, turtle, thrush, blackbird, and many of the smaller species; and plenty of game, as partridges, woodcocks, snipes, and water-fowl in the lakes. The poor thrushes and blackbirds too, must be reckoned as part of the game, for they are very numerous; and from there being a great quantity of the arbutus fruit in the island, they are exceedingly fat, and are esteemed a particular delicacy. It is barbarous to destroy, for the mere luxury of the table, birds which make such fine musick; surely their melody affords more enjoyment, than what can be had