THE EEASON TVHY. 261 



'Ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and 

 they shall tell thee." JOB xn. 



CHAPTER LII. 



1029. Why are there so many bodily forms in the animal 

 creation ? 



Because the various creatures which God has created have 

 different modes of life, and the forms of their bodies will be found 

 to present a perfect adaptation to the lives allotted to them. 



Because, also, the beauty of creation depends upon the variety of 

 objects of which it consists. And the greatness of the Creator's 

 power is shown by the diversity of ends accomplisJicd by different 

 means. 



1030. Why are birds covered icith feathers ? 



Because they require a high degree of warmth, on account of the 

 activity of their muscles ; but in providing that warmth it was 

 necessary that their coats should be of the lightest material, so as 

 not to impair their powers of flight ; and feathers combine the 

 highest warming power, with the least amount of weight. 



1031. Why have ostriches small ivings ? 



Because, having long legs, they do not require their wings for 

 flight ; they are merely used to steady their bodies while running. 



1032. Why are ostrich feathers soft and downy? 



Because, as the feathers are not employed for flight, the strength 

 of the feather as constructed for flying is unnecessary, and the 

 feathers therefore consist chiefly of a soft down. 



1033. Why have ivater-birds feathers of a close and 

 smooth texture ? 



Because such feathers keep the body of the bird warm and dry, 

 by repelling the water from their surface. A bird could scarcely 

 move through the water, with the downy feathers of the ostrich, 

 because of the amount of water the down would absorb. 



1034. Why is man born without a covering ? 



Because man is the only animal that can clothe ifseff. Aa in 



