28 BOOK OP KATURE LAID OPEN. 



What amazing variety of size, of shape, and hue, 

 do we discover among this multitudinous order of 

 things ! What different properties do some possess 

 from others ! and what a near approach do a few 

 make to that superior order immediately above 

 them, in the scale of existence ! The Sensitive 

 plant, when slightly touched, evinces something like 

 the timidity of our harmless animals ; the Hedysa- 

 rum Gyrans, or moving plant of the East, exhibits 

 an incessant and spontaneous movement of its leaves 

 during the day, in warm and clear weather ; but 

 in the night season, and in the absence of light and 

 heat, its motions cease, and it remains, as it were, in 

 a state of quiescence ; and the American Venus 9 

 Flytrap, like an animal of prey, seems to lie in wait 

 to catch the unwary insect. These are wonderful 

 properties of the vegetable creation, but these are 

 necessary in the infinitude of the works of creation, 

 as links to connect it with the order of animals, and 

 preserve unbroken the most minute gradations in 

 Nature's universal chain ! 



Flowers are undoubtedly among the most exqui- 

 site pieces of nature's workmanship. What beautiful 

 tints do they display ! what lively colours do they 

 unfold ! what variegated beauties do they discover ! 

 and what delightful perfumes do they emit! In 

 view of these well might the poet exclaim : 



" Who can paint 



Like Nature? Can imagination boast 

 Amid its gay creation, hues like hers? 

 Or can it mix them with that matchless skill, 



