002 THE REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTIONS. 



vision is likewise made for the establishment of 

 those parts which are to give mechanical sup- 

 port to each organic system in proportion as it 

 is formed ; while the foundations are also pre- 

 paring ft ' endowments of a higher kind, by the 

 early developement of the organs of the external 

 senses, the functions of which so essentially 

 minister to the future expansion of the intellec- 

 tual faculties, embracing a wide range of per- 

 ceptions and of active powers. Thus in the 

 early, as well as in all the subsequent periods of 

 life, the objects of nature vary as the respective 

 necessities of the occasion change. At first, all 

 the energies of vitality are directed to the raising 

 of the fabric, and to the extension of those 

 organs which are of greatest immediate utility ; 

 but still having a prospective view to further and 

 more important ends. For the accomplishment 

 of this primary object unremitting exertions are 

 made, commensurate with the magnitude of the 

 design, and giving rise to a quick succession of 

 varied forms, both with regard to the shape of 

 each individual organ, and to the general aspect 

 of the whole assemblage. 



In the phenomena of their early evolution. 

 Plants and Animals present a striking contrast, 

 corresponding to essential differences in the 

 respective destinations of these two orders of 

 beings. The primary object of vegetable struc- 

 tures appears to be the establishment of the 



