20 LECTURE II. 



existence of these monsters ; for, if God fitted 

 them to devour. He fitted them also to instruct. 

 The existence of creatures so evil, and such 

 relentless destroyers of the works of the Al- 

 mighty, teaches us that there are probably 

 analogous beings in the spiritual world, and 

 which should warn us to use great care and 

 watchfulness in our conduct, in order that we 

 may escape their destructive fury. You see, I 

 occasionally give a little good advice while I am 

 endeavouring to amuse you. 



Nothing is more remarkable than the infinite 

 variety and singularity of the figures and shapes 

 of fishes. It has been thought that the ocean 

 contains representatives of every animal that is 

 to be found on the earth, or in the air at all 

 events, the forms of fishes are more singular 

 and extraordinary than those of any other de- 

 partment of natural history. Amongst the ani- 

 mals of South America, one of the most curious 

 and interesting is the gyrnnotus, or electric eel 

 so strong is their electric power, that it is 

 said they can kill a fish by it (and on which 

 they feed) at a distance of sixteen feet. Lace- 

 pede, the celebrated French naturalist, is my 

 authority for this statement. They abound in 



