compared with the Discoveries of the Modern Sciences. 259 
strated that terrestrial plants are not found in strata more 
ancient than those in which we discover animal species. 
Geological facts do not, therefore, contradict the progression 
indicated by the author of Genesis, in regard to the appear- 
ance of different living beings. - This assertion of Moses is a 
geological consequence of high importance, confirmed by the 
observation of facts, as has been remarked by one of the 
greatest natural philosophers of our day.* 
This consequence is, moreover, a rigorous, because it was 
a necessary one. ‘Terrestrial animals derive their food from 
vegetables, even such of them as subsist on living prey. By 
devouring herbivorous species, they, in fact, support them- 
selves by means of the herbaceous matter which these latter 
had assimilated and converted into their own substance. If, 
then, the herbivorous must have existed before the carni- 
vorous races, to which they were to serve as food, both the 
one and the other must have been preceded by the plants 
which were to afford them the means of growth and develop- 
ment. By a consequence of the same kind, we may admit 
that omnivorous animals must have appeared last among liv- 
ing beings. 
This conclusion, at which we arrive by a process of simple 
reasoning, is confirmed by observing the strata of the globe. 
It is remarkable to find this fact recorded in Genesis, written 
at least 3500 years ago. This book admits, in like manner, 
the gradual appearance of vegetables. It makes them com- 
mence with the least complicated species, to which succeed 
herbs, then shrubs, and finally trees. Posterior to all ani- 
mals the sacred writer places the arrival of man, who crowns 
and terminates the great work of Creation. 
Naturalists who have occupied themselves with this ques- 
tion, have not examined it with the view of justifying the 
author of Genesis; and this very consideration gives their 
opinion greater weight, for it has been forced on their minds 
by positive experience. 
It is to this part of the subject that Herschel’s beautiful 
thought is more particularly applicable. Struck with the 
* M, Dumas. 
