88 Natural Theology. 



of species, what varied forms and natures, what 

 varied instincts and relations to other beings ; and 

 yet each general and special adaptation is perfect in 

 harmonizing all their wants with the structure, the 

 instincts, and relations of this vast host. 



The highest type, and that which foreshadowed 

 man when it first appeared upon the earth, are the 

 vertebrates. It embraces the fishes, the reptiles, 

 the birds, and mammals. These higher forms of 

 life are well known, and each type suggests great 

 beauty of adaptation. What is more perfect in its 

 kind than a fish the salmon, or the shark ! What 

 architect or artist would have the presumption to 

 suggest a better model! How form and fin are 

 fitted for the element in which the animal is to live ! 

 The feathery gills float in the water and sweep out 

 oxygen to purify the blood. The eye is fitted to 

 light coming through the water. And correspond- 

 ing to every varied instinct, there is change of form 

 to perfect the adaptation. 



The loathsome reptile is not less perfect in his 

 kind, though to us often an object of abhorrence. 



The snake, without feet, darts like an arrow, and 

 crushes his prey by tightening folds. And most of 

 the reptilian tribe, unable to supply their wants in 

 winter, bury themselves in dens or mud, and nature 

 kindly puts her benumbing hand upon them, and 

 reduces or suspends the vital action till the return- 

 ing spring gives them another scene of activity. 



In the birds, we have an entirely distinct type, 

 but how perfect in its kind ! Aside from the gene- 



