214 THE LIFE OF A BIRD. 



Reviewing the various parts which combine to 

 form the structure of the egg, how admirably do 

 we find the provisions made for the well-being 

 and security of the future bird ! From its shape, 

 the egg occupies the least room compatible with 

 the form of its future tenant, while it is also ren- 

 dered more secure against injury by the arched 

 form of its shell. If it were given to man to form 

 out of the same materials as compose the shell, a 

 body as hard and firm in its structure as an egg- 

 shell, he would altogether fail. The least quantity 

 of material possible is employed, yet the shell is 

 hard, unyielding, and will bear an extraordinary 

 degree of gradual pressure without injury. Any 

 sudden blow, however, cracks and destroys this 

 beautiful case. The arrangement of the yolk and 

 white, again, presents us with evidences of design 

 and of consummate wisdom in its execution, infe- 

 rior to none displayed in the natural world. 

 Every part of the egg indicates it to be the work 

 of a Divine Author ; and in the next Part this will 

 be rendered still more evident, as we trace the 

 development of the spark of life within the shell, 

 and the causes which lead to it. 



