From the thirtieth degree of south latitude to the thirtieth of north are nearly the limits which nature has fixed for the existence and multiplication of the elephant known to us.  Proceeding thence northwardly to thirty-six and a half degrees, we enter those assigned to the mammoth.  The farther we advance north, the more their vestiges multiply, as far as the earth has been explored in that direction; and it is as probable as otherwise, that this progression continues to the pole itself, if land extends so far.  The centre of the frozen zone, then, may be the acme of their vigor, as that of the torrid is of the elephant.  Thus nature seems to have drawn a belt of separation between these two tremendous animals, whose breadth indeed is not precisely known, though at present we may suppose it to be about six and a half degrees of latitude; to have assigned to the elephant the regions south of these confines, and those north to the mammoth, founding the constitution of the one in her extreme of heat, and that of the other in the extreme of cold.  When the Creator has therefore separated their nature as far as the extent of the scale of animal life allowed to this planet would permit, it seems perverse to declare it the same, from a partial resemblance of their tusks and bones.  But to whatever animal we ascribe these remains, it is certain such a one has existed in America, and that it has been the largest of all terrestrial beings.

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=64.= THE UNHAPPY EFFECTS OF SLAVERY.

These must doubtless be an unhappy influence on the manners of our people produced by the existence of slavery among us....  With the morals of the people, their industry also is destroyed.  For in a warm climate no man will labor for himself who can make another labor for him.  This is so true, that of the proprietors of slaves a very small proportion indeed are ever seen to labor.  And can the liberties, of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis—­a conviction in the minds of the people that they are the gift of God? that they are not to be violated but with his wrath?  Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever; that considering numbers, nature, and natural means only, a revolution of the wheel of fortune, an exchange of situation, is among possible events; that it may become probable by supernatural interference.  The Almighty has no attribute which can take sides with us in such a contest.  But it is impossible to be temperate, and to pursue this subject through the various considerations of policy, of morals, of history, natural and civil.  We must be contented to hope they will force their way into every one’s mind.  I think a change already perceptible since the origin of the present revolution.  The spirit of the master is abating, that of the slave is rising from the dust, his condition mollifying, the way I hope preparing, under the auspices of Heaven, for a total emancipation.