40 HABITS AND INSTINCTS OP ANIMALS. CHAP. 11* 



(48.) We shall now proceed to treat of the varied 

 economy and instincts of animals under distinct heads, 

 arranging those belonging to each class or division 

 separately, that the reader may more clearly discern 

 the respective peculiarities of each. 



CHAP. II. 



ON THE SENSES OP ANIMALS. 



ON THE DIFFERENT SENSES AS DEVELOPED IN ALL THE CLASSES 



OF ANIMALS. GENERAL REMARKS ON THOSE OF THE VER- 



TEBRATED DIVISION. VITALITY OF ANIMALS. FASCINA- 

 TION OF SNAKES. 



(49.) THE variation in the senses of animals is very 

 great, being regulated by the nature and habits of 

 the species ; some requiring the especial aid of those 

 powers, which, to others, would be useless. Beauti- 

 fully, indeed, are the wants and the capabilities of all 

 adapted to each other, and most wisely and accurately 

 are the latter fitted to the former by INFINITE WISDOM; 

 nothing which is serviceable being withheld, while 

 nothing which is useless is ever granted; so that, 

 throughout creation, the nicest balance, the most per- 

 fect adjustment, the most exact conformity, are pre- 

 served, equally conducing to the happiness of the 

 creature, and the exaltation of the Creator. 



(50.) Among the lowest forms of animal life, but 

 particularly in water, .are myriads of minute atoms, 

 which the eye, unaided by the microscope, cannot 

 even discern; but which are then seen to be en- 

 dowed with vitality, " frail, indeed, almost without 

 consistence, and yet living and highly irritable." It is 



