388 FACTS AND INFERENCES, GRAVE AND GAY. 



is combined with the milder effulgence of the hues of 

 flowers, the whole harmonising with a chaste fulness of 

 effect which Titian and Rubens might envy, but could 

 never equal. For what reason, it has been asked, has all 

 this lavish adornment been bestowed on creatures which, 

 as we suppose, can scarcely discern each other amid the 

 dim perpetual twilight of the deep? "There are more 

 things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in our 

 philosophy." Does not the same Shakspearian observation 

 apply with equal truth to " the waters beneath the earth ? " 

 Among the countless tribes of insects we have also 

 innumerable examples of this bright effulgence in its 

 highest state. The " Diamond Beetle " {Entimus im- 

 perials) is richly inlaid with all precious gems ; and 

 many butterflies are emblazoned with gold and silver. 

 No mention need be made of shells. Even among the 

 still lowlier forms of worms or vermes (Annelida) we 

 find the golden aphroclyte, a slug-like creature, partially 

 covered by silky hair of bright metallic lustre, varying as 

 the play of light falls on it through the wavering and 

 translucent sea. — Excelsior, vol. ii. 



FARMERS AND FISHERMEN. 

 " The weary ploughman plods his homeward way," 



but seldom fails to find it. The 



" Swniked hedger at Lis supper sits," 



