13 UNIVALVES. 



the history of this animal. How insignificant 

 often are the means employed to effect the most 

 important ends ; how is the industry of years 

 baffled by the gradual and yet certain work of a 

 little worm. We might at first be disposed to 

 tax the wisdom or goodness of the Almighty in 

 permitting the existence of an animal fitted only 

 for what appears a work of evil. A further 

 acquaintance with the subject, will bring us to a 

 very different conclusion. Montague, in speak- 

 ing of them, says, " that the Teredines and many 

 aquatic animals were created by the Father of 

 the universe for most beneficent purposes, can- 

 not be disputed ; for though they may seem to 

 impede, and even to destroy the operations of 

 man, yet they are of such importance in the great 

 scale of nature, that it has been observed, and it 

 would not be difficult to prove, that we should 

 feel the want of one or two species of larger 

 quadrupeds much less than one or two species of 

 these despicable looking animals. The im- 

 mense trees and forests of tropical countries, 

 either overthrown by tornadoes, or partially de- 

 stroyed by insects, and then carried by rapid 

 torrents into the rivers, would not only choke 

 them up, but even endanger the navigation of the 

 neighbouring seas, were it not for these small 

 yet powerful agents of dissolution. Nothing 

 can more plainly demonstrate the power of an 

 all-wise ruler of the universe than the work 

 assigned to these animals, whose business it is, 

 to hasten the destruction of all useless matter." 



