CHAP. IV. MOTIONS OP ANIMALS. 91 



spring from no other than a Divine source, and which i? 

 impressed upon all the productions of Omnipotence. 

 The numher and perfection of these motions are alike 

 worthy of observation ; a peculiar organisation being 

 given for each species, comprising the most complicated 

 yet exquisite machinery, and remarkable for equal 

 strength and flexibility. Their structure, too, is always 

 precisely adapted to the necessities of the animal for 

 which it is formed ; those furnished with destructive 

 weapons, or which are gifted with extraordinary skill 

 or power, being generally found to be much slower in 

 their movements, than others of a weaker kind ; while 

 those such as worms, caterpillars, &c. whose food is 

 nearest at hand, and who are not, therefore, compelled 

 to make any wide range in search of provision, are in- 

 capable of that rapid motion which distinguishes others 

 not provided in a similar manner. 



(109.) The locomotive powers of animals are nicely 

 proportioned to their size and structure. A flea, for 

 instance, can leap some hundred times its own length ; 

 but, were an elephant, or any other large-bodied animal, 

 to possess the same elastic power, its weight would 

 prove its destruction, and it would be immediately 

 crushed to pieces. Upon the same principle, some 

 creatures as worms, spiders, &c. are enabled, by their 

 comparatively small specific gravity, and by the soft- 

 ness of their texture, to fall without injury from heights 

 which would be fatal to those of a heavier construc- 

 tion. * Striking, indeed, and numerous are the proofs 

 of this wise and perfect adaptation of want with power 



means with a contemplated end ; and, as we pro- 

 ceed with our inquiry, we shall find that there are, per- 

 haps, few things in the arrangement of the animal 

 kingdom more really deserving our attention, than the 

 subject immediately before us. 



(110.) The motions of animals are necessarily active 



as walking, leaping, flying, or swimming. In a 

 passive state, they either stand, roost, or repose on the 



* SraeL Phil. vol. i. p. 78. 



