370 NATURAL HISTORY. 



causes, a superintending Providence maintains the gen- 

 eral harmony, preventing any dangerous permanent in- 

 crease or destruction of any species. Multitudes have, 

 indeed, been destroyed in ages long gone by; but this 

 was for definite purposes, which the geologist has been 

 able, for the most part, to decipher. 



642. Not only have all animals relations to each other, 

 but they have relations, direct or indirect, near or re- 

 mote, to man. The earth is his residence, and all things 

 in it were made for him. Hence it is that in his organ- 

 ization the same general principles are in play which we 

 find exhibited in the animals to which he bears the rela- 

 tions referred to. But while he is thus linked to the an- 

 imal existences around him, he is the only animal on the 

 earth that is destined to live any where else. He is link- 

 ed to other higher existences by the possession of a soul, 

 which has been very properly said to be " that side of 

 our nature which is in relation with the Infinite ;" and, 

 by virtue of this, when his relation to the animals of this 

 world ceases, another and a more glorious body is pro- 

 vided for him with adaptations fitted to his new and 

 eternal condition. 



Questions. What is said of adaptation ? What of it in birds and 

 fishes ? What of it in relation to carnivorous animals ? How are 

 the coverings of animals adapted to climate ? What is said of the fat 

 of animals in the arctic regions? What example of adaptation to 

 temperature is given from the insect world ? What is said of the va- 

 riety of individual adaptations ? How is the organization of the Whale 

 adapted to its mode of life? What is said of the Bat? What of 

 fishes ? What is stated in regard to the brain of man and of grazing 

 animals? What in regard to the "velvet" of the Deer? What is 

 said of adaptation in relation to the metamorphosis of animals ? What 

 is said of adaptation in regard to the capabilities of animals? What 

 are the relations of the senses, the muscles, and the nervous system to 

 each other? What is said of the senses of animals? What of their 

 muscles ? What of the nervous system ? What is said of the general 

 plans of the Creator ? Illustrate by reference to the Vertebrates and 

 to the Articulates. What is there especially wonderful in the carry- 

 ing out of these plans ? What is said of the mutual relations of the 



