SECT. XXXIX. 5. G E N E R A T 1 O N'. j-;;; 



mighty fire. What a magniiiccnt idea of ihc infinite 

 power of THE GREAT AR CHITECT ! TntCA USE 

 OF C A u s LS ! PA R i: N T OF PARENTS! ENS E x T iu M 1 



For if we may compare infinities, it would feern 

 to require .a greater infinity of power to caufe the 

 caufes of effects, than to caufe the efieds them- 

 felves. This idea is analogous to the improving ex- 

 cellence ofoiervable in every part of the creation ; 

 fuch as in the progrcffive increafe of the folid or 

 habitable parts of the earth from waier ; and in the 

 progreflive increafe of the wifdom and happinefs of 

 its inhabitants ; and is confonant to the idea of our 

 prefent fituation beingaiiate of probation, which 

 by ojr exertions we may improve, and arc confe- 

 quently refponfible for our adtions. 



V.i. The efficient caufe of the various colours of the 

 eggs of birds, and of the hair and feathers of animals, 

 is a fubjcct fo curious, that I fhall beg to introduce 

 it in this place. The colours of many animals feem. 

 adapted to their purpofes of concealing themfelves 

 cither to avoid danger, or to fpring upon their prey. 

 Thus the fnake and wild cat, and leopard, are 

 fo coloured as to referable dark leaves and their 

 lighter interfaces ; birds refemble the colour of the 

 brown ground, or the green hedges, which they 

 frequent ; and moths and butterflies are coloured 

 like the flowers which they rob of their honey. 

 Many inflances are mentioned of this kind in Bo- 

 tanic Garden, p. 2. Note on Rubia. 



Thcfe colours have, however, in fome inflances 

 another ufe, as the black diverging area from the 

 eyes of the fwan ; which, as his eyes are placed 

 lefs prominent than thofe of other birds, for the 

 convenience of putting down his head under water, 

 prevents the rays of light from being reflected into 

 his eye, and thus dazzling his fight, both in air and 

 beneath the water ; which mufl have happened, if 



tha 



