j4s well as of deteriorated Animals, 37 



or greater plenty of subsistence. Such propulsions are 

 stimulants to the execution of the great designs of hea- 

 ven to replenish and popidate the earth ; and to spread 

 through every region, the tenants of the forests^ and the 

 beasts of the fields. The migrations of birds ^ and wing- 

 ed insects^ are easily effected : and the animals appointed 

 to inhabit the '' vasty deep^''"' are in constant progress, 

 through its immensurable expanse. 



For the dissemination of the vegetable tribes^ their 

 all wise creator has instituted countless means. Ajiimals 

 winged and footed, winds and waters^ are subservient 

 to their propagation. In the wonderful machinery of 

 nature, one part is always assistant to the other. Hence 

 we can account for a few and rare appearances of trees 

 and plants, in unexpected spots. — But how, or from 

 w^hat germes, or organized particles, new and extensive 

 products spring forth spontaneously ; in situations very 

 distant from any of the same kinds, where none such 

 M^ere before seen ; and where a distinct vegetation had 

 long occupied the site ; — is hidden among the arcana of 

 the creation, into which I do not presume to enter; — 

 much less to explain. The facts are numerous and in- 

 dubitable:^ and, if I can fairly deduce any practical, 

 and profitable conclusion, it is all I aim to accomplish. 



^ Since this communication I have met, accidentally, with 

 7s.{ix\\\Q^^V!\\h<t Edinhurg Remew, Vol. I. 1802-3. on ili«ci^?2- 

 'Zie^s Voyages, It calls to my recollection a confirmatory fact ; 

 mentioned by him. He alleges it to be " a very curious and 

 extraordinary circumstance, that land covered with spruce pine 

 and rvhite h'lrch^ when laid waste !)y fire, should subsequentlv 

 produce nothing hit poplars, where none of that species of 



