316 FACULTIES OF BIRDS. 



digging, in a fourth into a fin for dividing the water. 

 The examination of this one contrivance in such 

 various forms not to mention the innumerable others 

 which, were we so inclined, we might adduce all of 

 them curiously adapted by some slight variation to 

 the special use of the animal in whose possession it 

 is found, affords a proof of design too palpable and 

 striking to be resisted. It is as if one were to go 

 into the premises of a mill-wright and observe the 

 various mechanics engaged each in his respective 

 department with saws of different kinds and dimen- 

 sions, from that coarse and strong instrument which 

 divides the forest-tree into planks to the tiny tool 

 employed in the more delicate labours of the work- 

 shop. He would say with unhesitating certainty, 

 here is a most useful invention beautifully adapted 

 to the various purposes of the artificer. The exis- 

 tence of one saw would be a proof of contrivance, 

 but that proof is multiplied a hundred fold by the 

 skill with which the contrivance is modified to suit it 

 for such numerous and nice operations. 



An evidence of a similar kind, but on a far more 

 extensive scale, is derivable from the innumerable 

 adaptations which exist between the bodily develop- 

 ment of the various tribes of animals and their in- 

 stincts and mental capacities. In our chapter on 

 reason and instinct, we have entered very fully into 

 this most interesting subject; and the preceding his- 

 tory of the faculties of the feathered race will afford 

 abundant illustrations of the truths there contained, 

 and we scarcely know what stronger proof could be 

 required of a supreme creative Intelligence. 



In conclusion, we would observe, that there is 

 something exceedingly delightful in the view which 

 nature exhibits of the multiplicity and diversity of 

 animated beings, each adapted to its own peculiar 

 sphere, and all at the same time so abundant as to 



