INTEREST OP MINUTE OBJECTS. 



The descriptions given of this series of animated 

 beings will be those of the best authorities at the 

 present time, confirmed, in many instances, by per- 

 sonal observation ; and the feeling they are designed 

 to produce, is that so well indicated in the words of 

 old Samuel Purchas : 



" Nicocastrus, an JElian, finding a curious piece 

 of wood, and being wondered at by one, and asked 

 what pleasure he could take to stand as he did still 

 gazing on it, answered, ' Hadst thou mine eyes, my 

 friend, thou wouldst not wonder, but rather be 

 ravished, as I am, at the inimitable art of this rare 

 and admirable piece. I am sure no picture can 

 express so much wonder and excellency ; but we 

 want Nicocastrus' eyes to behold it.' 



" And the praise of God's wisdom and power 

 lies asleep and dead in every creature, until men 

 actuate and enliven it. I cannot, therefore, altogether 

 conceive it unworthy of the greatest mortals to con- 

 template the miracles of Nature ; and that, as they 

 are the most visible in the smallest, and almost 

 contemptible creatures for then most lively do they 

 express the infinite power and wisdom of the Great 

 Creator, and direct and draw the minds of the most 

 intelligent to the first and prime Cause of all things, 

 teaching them, as the power, so the presence of the 

 Deity, in the smallest creatures." 



As Baxter remarks : 



" It is God appearing in the creatures, that is 

 the life, and beauty, and excellence, and use of the 



