240 STUDIES OF NATURE. * 



it. This wonderful multiplication of light, which 

 increafes in the Atmofphere, in proportion to the 

 intenfenefs of the cold, is, in my apprehenfion, 

 a confequence of the fame Law which tranfmits 

 the Moon into the northern figns, in proportion as 

 the Sun forfakes them, and which caufes her to il- 

 luminate the long nights of our Pole, while the 

 Sun is under the Horizon j for light, be of what 

 fort it may, is warm. Thefe wonderful harmonies 

 are not in the nature of the Elements, but in the 

 will of Him who has eftablifhed them in fubordi- 

 nation to the neceflities of beings endowed with 

 fenfibility. 



Fire prefents to us phenomena ftill more incom- 

 prehenfible. Firfl of all, Is fire matter ? Matter, 

 according to the definitions of Philofophy, is that 

 which is divifible in length, breadth, and depth* 

 Fire is divifible only in perpendicular length. 

 Never will you divide a flame, or a ray of the Sun, 

 in it's horizontal breadth. Here, then, is matter 

 divifible only in two dimenfions. Befides, it has 

 no gravity, for it continually afcends ; nor levity, 

 for it defcends, and penetrates bodies ever fomuch 

 below it. Fire, we are told, is contained in all 

 bodies. But, being of a confuming nature. How 

 does it not devour them ? How can it remain ia 

 water without being extinguiflied ? 



Thefe 



