THE ATMOSPHERE. 127 



performs by another set of motions, entirely 

 different both from the circulation and the occa- 

 sional movements already mentioned ; these dif- 

 ferent kinds of motions not interfering materially 

 with each other : and this last purpose, so remote 

 from the others in its nature, it answers in a 

 manner so perfect and so easy, that we cannot 

 imagine that the object could have been more 

 completely attained, if this had been the sole 

 purpose for which the atmosphere had been 

 created. With all these qualities, this extra- 

 ordinary part of our terrestrial system is scarcely 

 ever in the way : and when we have occasion to 

 do so, we put forth our hand and push it aside, 

 without being aware of its being near us. 



We may add, that it is, in addition to all that 

 we have hitherto noticed, a constant source of 

 utility and beauty in its effects on light. With- 

 out air we should see nothing, except objects on 

 which the sun's rays fell, directly or by reflection. 

 It is the atmosphere which converts sunbeams 

 into daylight, and fills the space in which we are 

 with illumination. . 



The contemplation of the atmosphere, as a 

 machine which answers all these purposes, is well 

 suited to impress upon us the strongest conviction 

 of the most refined, far-seeing, and far-ruling 

 contrivance. It seems impossible to suppose that 

 these various properties were so bestowed and so 

 combined, any otherwise than by a beneficent and 



