THE P R E F A C E THER Vinci HE Feeding of cattle, how mean and con temptible soevet it" may appear to us; is very ancient and in the most early ages of the world, was esteemed to be honourable. The first Man was a Gardener, and a Husbandman: and of his fons we read, that one was a Husbandman, and anothet a Shepherd *. The same employment seeins to have been chiefly followed by the Patriarchs after the flood : for we find that Abraham, who is called a mighty Prince ti was a feeder of cattle; his great wealth consisting in fheep, oxen, asses, and camels # Ifaac, Efau, Jacob, and the rest of his posterity continued the fame way of life, applying themselves wholly to the care of their flocks and herds; with which they travelled from place to place, as they found convenience of pasturage. : Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, when he was called by God, and appointed to be the Deliverer |