NATURAL THEOLOGY. 87 



that have means for raising their food without extend- 

 ing their necks, such, for example, as man, the ele- 

 phant, &c. 



THE BONES. 



T. We might now pass to some other views of 

 this masterpiece of divine wisdom and power, besides 

 those which invite our attention in the solid parts of 

 the animal structure. But I will detain you a little 

 longer. If the bones and joints have been called the 

 coarsest parts of nature's workmanship, still they are 

 more easy to be understood, because they more nearly 

 resemble the kind of mechanism to which we are 

 accustomed : we can compare them with works of 

 art ; and therefore, they are the properest to be al- 

 leged as proofs and specimens of design. There is 

 one remarkable variety in the bones, which challenges 

 our admiration as an evidence of original purpose and 

 wisdom : a portion of them are hollow ; and it is won- 

 derful to observe the skill displayed in the selection ; 

 and the acquaintance exhibited with mechanical prin- 

 ciples. 



A. The bones of the limbs belong to this class. 

 We may notice the tubular construction in the wing or 

 leg bones of a bird. Mathematicians demonstrate, that 

 in any instrument requiring strength, size, and th 



