PECULIAR ORGANIZAriOKS. 163 



the neck would be in constant danger of dislocation, if they 

 were not fortified by this strong tape. No such organ is 

 found in the human subject, because, from the erect position 

 of the head — the pressure of it acting nearly in the direction 

 of the spine — the junction of the vertebra3 appears to be 

 sufficiently secure without it. This cautionary expedient, 

 therefore, is Umited to quadrupeds : the care of the Creator 

 is seen where it is wanted. 



II. The oil with which birch preen their feathers, and 

 the organ which supplies it, is a specific provision for the 

 winged creation. On each side of the rump of birds is ob- 

 served a small nipple, yielding upon pressure a butter-like 

 substance, which the bird extracts by pinching the pap with 

 its bill. With this oil or ointment, thus procured, the bird 

 dresses his coat ; and repeats the action as often as its own 

 sensations teach it that it is in any part wanted, or as the 

 excretion may be sufficient for the expense. The gland, the 

 pap, the nature and quality of the excreted substance, the 

 manner of obtaining it from its lodgment in the body, the 

 application of it when obtained, form collectively an evi- 

 dence of intention which it is not easy to withstand. Noth- 

 ing similar to it is found in unfeathered animals. What 

 blind conatus of nature should produce it in birds ; should 

 not produce it in beasts ? 



III. The air-bladder also of a fish affords a plain and 

 direct instance, not only of contrivance, but strictly o-f that 

 species of contrivance which we denominate mechanical. It 

 is a philosophical apparatus in the body of an animal. The 

 principle of the contrivance is clear ; the appHcation of the 

 principle is also clear. The use of the organ to sustain, and, 

 at wall, also to elevate the body of the fish in the water, is 

 proved by observing what has been tried, that when the 

 bladder is burst the fish grovels at the bottom ; and also, 

 that flounders, soles, skates, which are without the air-blad- 

 der, seldom rise in the water, and that with effort. TIk; 

 manner in which the purpose is attained, and the, suitable- 



