BOOK OF NATURE LAID OPEN. 



himself along. When he is disposed to dive, he 

 strikes sail ; and, without any apprehension of being 

 drowned, sinks to the bottom. When the weather 

 is calm, and he has an inclination to see the world, 

 or take his pleasure, he mounts to the surface, and 

 self-taught in the art of navigation, performs his 

 voyage without either chart or compass ; is himself 

 the vessel, the rigging, and the pilot." 



When the sea is calm, numbers of these animals 

 are said to be seen sailing on the surface; but at the 

 approach of a storm, they fold in their legs, and 

 swallowing as much water as will enable them to 

 sink, they plunge to the bottom, where they no 

 doubt remain in a place of security during the raging 

 of the tempest, and when they wish to rise, they 

 void this water, and so decreasing their specific 

 gravity, quickly ascend to the top, where, by means 

 of their tails, answering the purpose of helms, they 

 can steer themselves in any direction. 



Sea Tortoises, without any teacher but nature, 

 are instinctively taught to lay their eggs on the sea 

 shore, and cover them with sand ; and no sooner 

 are the young hatched and fitted for their journey, 

 than they leave the place of their nativity, and run 

 towards that element which Providence has destin- 

 ed for their abode ; so that the poet may well say : 



" Reason progressive, instinct is complete; 

 Swift instinct leaps, slow reason feeblv climbs. 

 Brutes soon their zenith reach ; their little all 

 Flows in at once; in ages they no mo; e 

 Could know, or do, or covet, or enjoy." 



