182 COMPAEISONS OF STRUCTURE IN ANIMALS. 



column, in quadrupeds, in birds, in reptiles, and 

 fishes, glancing at the parts of framework more 

 immediately connected with it. We have 

 shown how it harmonizes with the limbs, and 

 the prescribed method of locomotion in various 

 groups of animals ; we have traced it from its 

 maximum of development to its almost obli- 

 teration in the lowest fishes; and we have 

 contrasted it among the subjects of each distinct 

 class, our endeavour being throughout, to bring 

 forward plain and obvious proofs of wisdom 

 and power in creation. To the spinal column 

 we were naturally led from a general review of 

 the structure of the anterior limbs, between 

 which and the spine there must be a corre- 

 spondence of harmony. A flexible spine, and 

 rigid columnar legs, or a rigid spine, like that 

 of the tortoise, and light elastic limbs, Uke 

 those of the leopard, would be a palpable viola- 

 tion of the rules of organic harmony. The 

 vertebral column of the snake forbids the 

 possibility of wings like those of the bat or 

 bird; while the vertebral column of the bird, 

 in conjunction with the rest of its framework, 

 shows that for these organs it is expressly 

 modelled. And here we may observe that with 

 the organic modifications of animals, with their 



