10 BOOK OF NATURE LAID OPEX. 



new and invigorating powers. From hence also is 

 derived that wonderful mineral, whose magnetic 

 quality guides the mariner, with unerring precision, 

 beyond the pillars of Hercules, and enables him to 

 find his solitary way across the pathless deep. 



Here also in these dark recesses are conveniently 

 laid up, a variety of strata of Stones, and beds of 

 Fossils ; and hence derive their origin a number of 

 valuable Jewels and transparent Gems, as well as 

 the firm and compact Marble, the Alabaster, the 

 Porphyry, and the hard pellucid Flint. 



Here are to be found those quarries of Stones, 

 from which are constructed secure and comfortable 

 dwellings for man and beast by which the arms of 

 the pier are strengthened to repel the surges of the 

 sea the rampart is raised above the basis nature 

 had formed our property secured from the depre- 

 dations of intruders the arched bridge thrown 

 across the broad and rapid stream, and the stupen- 

 dous aqueduct carried over the deep-sunk glen. 



Here too are deposited a variety of curious Fossils 

 and extraneous substances, which bafle the wisdom 

 of the wise, and puzzle the reasoning of the natur- 

 alist to account for : and here are those vast layers 

 or strata of earth, in all their variety, whose nature 

 and uses are more apparent where the vegetable 

 kingdom derives its support and nutriment, the trees 

 of the forest spread their wide extended roots, and 

 the tender herb and flower of the field takes hold of 

 the dust ; where the pliable worm forces itself quietly 

 along, the mole finds its darksome way, the foxes 



