ANIMALS. 349 



But though it is very easy, without the help of 

 definitions, to distinguish a plant from an animal, 

 yet both possess many properties so much alike, 

 that the two kingdoms, as they are called, seem 

 mixed with each other. Hence, it frequently 

 puzzles the naturalist to tell exactly where animal 

 life begins, and vegetative terminates ; nor, in- 

 deed, is it easy to resolve, whether some objects 

 offered to view be of the lowest of the animal, 

 or the highest of the vegetable races. The sen- 

 sitive plant, that moves at the touch, seems to 

 have as much perception as the fresh-water poly- 

 pus, that is possessed of a still slower share of 

 motion. Besides, the sensitive plant will not re- 

 produce upon cutting in pieces, which the poly- 

 pus is known to do ; so that the vegetable pro- 

 duction seems to have the superiority. But, not- 

 withstanding this, the polypus hunts for its food, 

 as most other animals do. It changes its situa- 

 tion ; and, therefore, possesses a power of choos- 

 ing its food, or retreating from danger. Still, 

 therefore, the animal kingdom is far removed 

 above the vegetable ; and its lowest denizen is pos- 

 sessed of very great privileges, when compared 

 with the plants with which it is often surrounded. 

 However, both classes have many resemblances, 

 by which they are raised above the unorganized 

 and inert masses of matter. Minerals are mere 

 inactive, insensible bodies, entirely motionless of 

 themselves, and waiting some external force to 

 alter their forms, or their properties. But it is 

 otherwise with animals and vegetables : these are 

 endued with life and vigour ; they have their state 



