260 ZOOPHYTES. 



CHAPTER XII. 



THE NATURE OF ZOOPHYTES. 



The vast expanse of the universe discloses innumerable legions of 

 animated beings to the admiring gaze of mankind. 



The air, the earth, the waters, are replete with occupants, which live 

 and die ; and which are regenerated in endless succession. 



Each individual of the countless multitude exists during a limited 

 period for itself: it passes away, but the elements of its race remain 

 behind. 



How have such myriads originated : when did they begin — whence 

 have they come ? 



They are not of the present day only : they are not of any modern 

 date : their dwellings in the world remount to an era preceding the 

 records of men. 



But questions so grave, so dark and deep, transcend the knowledge 

 of mortals. The wisest among us can rest on no more than conjectures ; 

 and, entangled amidst a labyrinth, clouds of difficulties, which we vainly 

 hope to dispell, cast their veil over our keenest efforts to elucidate them. 



Thence have theories rose on theories : season succeeds season : but 

 each of those offsprings of imagination vanishes ; barren of truth its base- 

 less foundation fails. The structure is overthrown. Yet generation fol- 

 lows generation : the uniform system rolls on unaltered : it has sprung 

 from an immutable decree. 



Cannot we penetrate the mist of time, to see that once 

 " The earth was without form, and void." 



Now we behold it teem with living beings, until there truly seems 

 room for no more. This is their appointed abode. 



Some would assume that in the beginning, the concourse, concur- 



