PHYSIOLOGY OF LIFE. 81 



the different intervals between the acts, the fish (it is 

 probable) would be found to stand in a similar relation to 

 the insect, as the insect, in the latter point, stands to the 

 system of vegetation. Meantime, the fish sinks a step 

 below the insect, in the mode and circumstances of im- 

 pregnation. To this we will venture to add, the predomi- 

 nance of length, as the form of growth in so large a 

 proportion of the known orders of fishes, and not less of 

 their rectilineal path of motion. In all other respects, 

 the correspondence combined with the progress in indi- 

 viduation, is striking in the whole detail. Thus the eye, 

 in addition to its moveability, has besides acquired a saline 

 moisture in its higher development, as accordant with the 

 life of its element. Add to these the glittering covering 

 in both, the splendour of the scales in the one answering 

 to the brilliant plates in the other, the luminous reser- 

 voirs of the fire-flies, the phosphorescence and electricity 

 of many fishes, the same analoga of moral qualities, in 

 their rapacity, boldness, modes of seizing their prey by 

 surprise, their gills, as presenting the intermediate state 

 between the spiracula of the grade next below, and the 

 lungs of the step next above, both extremes of which seem 

 combined in the structure of birds and of their quill- 

 feathers ; but above all, the convexity of the crystalline 

 lens, so much greater than in birds, quadrupeds, and man, 

 and seeming to collect, in one powerful organ, the hundred- 

 fold microscopic facettes of the insect's light organs ; and 

 it will not be easy to resist the conviction, that the same 

 power is at work in both, and reappears under higher 

 auspices. The intention of Nature is repeated ; but, as 

 was to have been expected, with two main differences. 



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