45 S Mr. Henry on the Natural Hifto<y ) &c. 
fituation ; and gradually produce luch changes 
in their conftitutions, as to make the faltnefs 
of the water neceflary to their fupport ? Changes, 
equally great, appear to have taken place in 
the human habit. The duration of life, in 
particular, was protracted, in the earlier ages, 
to a length convenient for the fpeedy population 
of the world j and when that end was accom¬ 
pli (bed to a certain degree. Providence afligned 
limits to the exiftence of mankind, at the utmoft 
of which we fcldom arrive, and beyond which 
we never pafs. 
Notwithftanding what I have here advanced, 
1 muft confefs myfelf inclined to join in the 
opinion, that the Sea was originally created fait. 
But all faline lubitances, with which we are 
acquainted, are fubjeft to gradual decay, de- 
compofition, or volatilization, in long procefs 
of time, and when expofed to the a&ion of air, 
moifture and heat. Nature has eftablifhed an 
univerfal fyftem of alternate deftruftion and 
recompofition in her works ; and is continually 
carrying on procefles in her grand laboratory, 
which art is unable to imitate. Animals and 
vegetables perifh and decay; and, when 
corrupted, contribute to the fupport or ac¬ 
commodation of each other; and many mineral 
Jubilances, though more permanent than thof? 
yrhich conllitute the other kingdoms, are liable 
tq 
