jis well as of deteriorated Animals. 37 



or greater plenty of subsistence. Such propulsions are 

 stimulants to the execution of the great designs of hea- 

 ven to replenish and populate the earth; and to spread 

 through every region, the tenants of the forests y and the 

 beasts of the fields. The migrations of birds ^ and wing- 

 ed insects^ are easily effected : and the animals appointed 

 to inhabit the '''■vasty deep^'''* are in constant progress, 

 through its immensurable expanse. 



For the dissemination of the vegetable tribes^ their 

 all wise creator has instituted countless means. Animals 

 winged and footed, winds and waters^ are subservient 

 to their propagation. In the wonderful machinery of 

 nature, one part is always assistant to the other. Hence 

 we can account for a few and rare appearances of trees 

 and plants, in unexpected spots. — But how, or from 

 w^hat germes, or organized particles, new and extensive 

 products spring forth spontaneously ; in situations very 

 distant from any of the same kinds, where none such 

 were before seen ; and where a distinct vegetation had 

 long occupied the site ; — is hidden among the arcana of 

 the creation, into which I do not presume to enter; — 

 much less to explain. The facts are numerous and in- 

 dubitable:* and, if I can fairly deduce any practical, 

 and profitable conclusion, it is all I aim to accomplish. 



* Since this communication I have met, accidentallv, with 

 ?icr\\A(\a&\nth& Edinbiirg Reviexv. Vol. I. 1802-3. on 3Icicke7i- 

 zie's Voijoges. It calls to my recollection a confirmatory fact ; 

 mentioned by him. He alleges it to be " a very curious and 

 extraordinary circumstance, that land covered with spruce pine 

 and xvhite birch, when laid waste by fire, should subsequently 

 produce nothing but poplars, where none of that species of 



