226 NATURAL THEOLOaY. 



sary. In the article of natural clothing, we have the skins 

 of animals invested with scales, hair, feathers, mucus, froth, 

 or itself turned into a shell or cru-st. In the no less neces- 

 sary article of offence and defence, we have teeth, talons, 

 beaks, horns, stings, prickles, with — the most singular expe- 

 dient for the same purpose — the power of giving the electric 

 shock, and, as is credibly related of some animals, of driving 

 away their pursuers by an intolerable foBtor, or of blackening 

 the water through which they are pursued. The considera 

 tion of these appearances might induce us to believe that 

 variety itself, distinct from eveiy other reason, was a motive 

 in the mind of the Creator, or with the agents of his will. 



To this great variety in organized life the Deity has 

 given, or perhaps there arises out of it, a corresponding vari- 

 ety of animal apj^etitcs. For the final cause of this we have 

 not far to seek. Did all animals covet the same element, 

 retreat, or food, it is evident how much fewer could be sup- 

 pUed and accommodated than what at present live conven- 

 iently together, and find a plentiful subsistence. What one 

 nature rejects, another delights in. Food which is nauseous 

 to one tribe of animals becomes, by that very property Avhich 

 makes it nauseous, an alluring dainty to another tribe. 

 Carrion is a treat to dogs, ravens, vultures, fish. The ex- 

 halations of corrupted substances attract flies by crowds 

 Maggots revel in putrefaction. 



