184 CONCHOLOGIST’S COMPANION. 
level of theland. Here the Teredines frequently work 
their way into the piles of timber which sustain these 
important barriers; and threaten their total demoli- 
tion, when the precaution of sheathing their lofty 
sides with copper, or a composition of tar and glass, 
has been neglected. In the year 1731, considerable 
apprehensions having been excited on the subject, 
persons were appointed by Government, to examine 
into their state. On drawing up one, which had been 
driven into the sea rather more than twenty years 
before, it was found, though apparently sound on the 
outside, to be completely perforated by mnumerable 
Teredines, some of which exceeded a foot in length. 
One question may possibly have dwelt upon your 
mind, during the perusal of these observations. Why 
is a pernicious reptile so wonderfully constructed, 
the instincts of which are fraught with destruction 
to the noblest works of art, and even to man himself? 
Patience, my friend. Is not man, endowed with 
faculties, to reason, and apprehend; ardent, to investi- 
gate, and skilful, to obviate inconveniences; fully 
adequate to cope with, and counteract, the depreda- 
tions of an obscure insect? | 
All the various parts of nature are beautifully 
designed to act inconcert. We see the hand of God 
employed in forming the lowest, and frequently, in 
our opinion, the most despicable creatures; assign- 
