the furlow is signed, the summons issued, and the poirri 

 of reunion settled, by a Providence ever indulgent to 

 mankind, ever loading us with benefits. 



" Thc-e approach, while those nous size and 



appearance a'^ndon our shores, T'ht! latter would fright 

 the valuable iish from our coasts; they are therefore 

 k ::>* \> tiie abysses of the ocean ; just as wild- beasts, . 

 >r-\ by tiie same over-ruling power, hide themselves 

 in the iccesses of the forest. 



"One circumstance relating to the natlves'of the deep 

 is very astonishing. As they are continually obliged to 

 devour one another for necessary subsists :ice, without ex- 

 traordinary recruits, the whole watery race must soon be 

 >y extinct. Were they to bring forth no more at a 

 birth thai- land animals, the increase would be far too 

 small or tie consumption. The weaker species would 

 soon he destroyed by the stronger, and the stronger 

 themselves in -:st soon after perish. Therefore to supply 

 millions of aiUinals with their food, and yet not depo- 

 pulate the uatry realms, the issue produced by every 

 breeder is almost incredible. They spawn not by scores, 

 but by millions : a single female is pregnant with a na- 

 tion. Mr. Lewenhoek counted in an ordinary cod 

 9,384.000 eggs. By this amazing expedient, constant 

 re] , made, proportionable to the immense havoc. 



And as i! e sea abounds with animal inhabitants, so it 

 does also with vegetable productions ; some soft as wool, 

 others hard as stone. Some rise like a leafless shrub, 

 some are expanded in the form of a net: some grow 

 wi<h their heads downward, and seem rather hanging 

 Or Uian springing from the juttings of the rocks. But as 

 we know ftvv pa v 1kulars concerning these, I would only 

 offer one rema X i general. The herbs and trees ou 

 the dry land are fed In the juices that permeate the soil, 

 and fluctuate in tht: air. i ? or this purpose they are fur- 

 ; iiished v is t< collect tiie one, and with roots -to 



attract t; Whereas the sea-plants, having suf- 



iicicnt uourislmient in the circumarnbiant waters, have 

 D 4 



