MATERIAL UNIVERSE. 61 



generated, and became endued with life and 

 motion ; and beautiful shells were formed for 

 their habitation, and the future development of 

 their species. 



And now began the grand operation of Nature 

 for depriving the atmosphere of its excess of car- 

 bonic acid gas, by which the earth would be 

 rendered fit for the habitation of the higher 

 classes of animals. The elements of water were 

 united, in due proportions, with carbonic acid j 

 and the germs of vegetables, endued with the 

 power of attracting the elements of their compo- 

 sition, or, in other words, endued with life, 

 sprang forth from the warm and water-clad earth, 

 and now, owing to the propitious state of the 

 earth and air, gradually rose from beneath the 

 shallow waters ; and tall plants and herbs were 

 formed, appearing like trees of the present age, 

 ferns, and other plants, which now attain the 

 height of a few inches, then reaching the height 

 of seventy or eighty feet ! 

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