540 THE REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTIONS. 



the exercise of the vital functions, and which is 

 therefore required for the completion of all the 

 other structures ; but provision is likewise made 

 for the establishment of those parts which are to 

 give mechanical support to each organic system in 

 proportion as it is formed ; while the foundations 

 are also preparing for 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 

 intellectvial faculties, embracing a wide range of 

 perceptions 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 indi- 

 vidual organ, and to the general aspect of the whole 

 assemblage. 



In the phenomena of their early evolution, Plants 

 and Animals present a striking contrast, corres- 

 ponding to essential differences in the respective 

 destinations of these two orders of beings. The 

 primary object of vegetable structures appears to 

 be the establishment of the functions of nutrition ; 

 and we accordingly find that whenever the seed 

 begins to germinate, the first indication of deve- 



