OF ANIMALS 



awake from their long repose in the spring, * 

 have absorbed a large proportion of it, tuK: are 

 comparatively lean, and more fit for action. 

 During their torpidity the fat is absorbed : nt< 

 the system by means of the lymphatic vessel, 

 and the ramifications of the veins. It is stated, 

 however, that the Bear comes out of its winter- 

 quarters as fat as it went into them, but that in 

 a few days, it becomes very lean. 1 In this 

 case it would seem as if there was little or no 

 absorption during hybernation, and that it be- 

 comes ^ ery rapid upon the animal's emersion 

 from its hiding place. 



Reasoning from analogy, the hump on the 

 Zebu may have some such use, and during the 

 dry season, when the food is scorched up, may 

 minister to the nutriment of the animal. If this 

 be the case, this variation from the common 

 type is evidently designed, and furnishes a proof 

 of the care of the Creator for all his creatures, 

 and likewise of such an adaptation of means to 

 an end, as evince both the wisdom, power, and 

 prescience of Him who has so arranged circum- 

 stances and agents in every climate as to fulfil 

 his benevolent purposes. 



The allwise Governor of the universe, when 

 he gave to the sheep its covering, appears to 

 have had in view not solely the protection of the 



1 Dr. Richardson, Faun. Bore all- Americ. i. 16, 20. 



