55 



that proceeds from the hand of the Almighty, there is 

 the manifestation of a wisdom and a power absolutely 

 incomprehensible. 



" Let us examine a 'single drop of water, only so much 

 as will adhere to the point of a needle. In this speck 

 an eminent philosopher computes no less than thirteen 

 thousand globules. And if so many thousands exists in 

 so small a speck, how many in the unmeasured extent of 

 the ocean ? Who can count them 1 As well may we grasp 

 the wind in our fist, or mete out the universe with our 

 span. 



" Nor are these regions without their proper inhabitants, 

 clothed in exact conformity to the clime : not in swel- 

 ling wool, or buoyant feathers, but with as much com- 

 pactness and as little superfluity as possible. They are 

 clad, or rather sheathed in scales, which adhere close, 

 and are laid in a kind of natural oil : than which appa- 

 rel nothing can be more light ; and at the same time 

 nothing more solid. It hinders the fluid from penetra- 

 ting their flesh : it prevents the cold from chilling their 

 blood; and enables them tb make their way through 

 the waters, with the utmost facility. And they have 

 each an air-bladder, a curious instrument, by which they 

 rise to what height, or sink to what depth they please. 



" It is impossible to enumerate the scaly herds. Here 

 are animals of monstrous shapes, and amazing qualities. 

 The upper jaw of the sword-fish is lengthened into a 

 strong and sharp sword, with which (though not above 

 sixteen feet long) he scruples not to engage the whale 

 himself. The sun-fish is one round mass of flesh ; only 

 it has two fins, which act the part of oars. The poly- 

 pus, with its numerous feet and claws, seems fitted only 

 to crawl. Yet an excrescence rising on the back enables 

 it to steer a steady course in the waves. The shell of 

 the nautilus forms a kind of boat, and he unfurls a mem- 

 brane to the wind for a sail. lie extends also two arms, 

 with which, as with oars, he rows himself along. When 

 *> 3 



