36 EXCURSIONS ROUND LONDON. 



than it at present possesses, the intentions 

 of nature would, in both cases, have been 

 equally frustrated. For, were it necessary 

 that sounds, in order to be heard, should be 

 extremely loud and piercing, our safety 

 must frequently have been endangered. 

 Besides, as, in that case, the noise of the 

 voice would have been greatly augmented, 

 speech must have cost us a great effort ; and, 

 instead of conducing to our comfort, would 

 often have proved a source of real torment. 



If, on the other hand, the sensibilitv of this 



* / 



organ had been augmented, its delicate 

 structure could not have withstood the per- 

 cussion of loud sounds; and even the slight- 

 est noise would have proved extremely dis- 

 agreeable and painful. 



By modulating sounds, it would appear 

 that nature has intended to render those 

 sweet and agreeable, which indicate nothing 

 terrible or dangerous, and those harsh and 

 discordant, *which announce imminent or 

 approaching danger. What, for 'example, 



can 



