694 CONCLUSION. 



which they were severally designed, has been presented with 

 developments of a plan of being, beautiful and harmonious in its 

 various parts and gradations, essentially unaffected by lapse of 

 time or changes of locality and climate, and having its origin in 

 the far-reaching intelligence and unbounded goodness of the In- 

 finite Creator. 



We have in this volume but attempted to lift from the face of 

 "Nature" a portion of its mysterious veil. May those who 

 are induced to examine the present work, not only derive 

 from it motives for still further research in the interesting depart- 

 ment of Natural History, but also for increased diligence and 

 fidelity in performing their own incumbent offices as parts of the 

 wondrous whole, cultivating towards each other feelings of true 

 affection and brotherhood, and above all, binding themselves by 

 cords of supreme love and obedience to the one common Father, 

 extolling 



"Him first, Him midst, and without end." 



