ON DESIGN IN AMMAL BODIES. 201 



one is carried a considerable time after the other 

 is fallen ; and it is observed that the oldest and 

 strongest harts shed their antlers the soonest. 

 The remarkable circumstance is, that such is the 

 provision, through the absorption at the root of 

 the horn, that a slight shock will now detach that 

 which bore the united force of the two combatants 

 before. The fallow-deer have the same habits 

 and passions ; but they will contend in herds for 

 favourite pasture grounds, and divide into parties 

 under the oldest and strongest of the herd. Who 

 can doubt that the antlers are for a temporary 

 purpose, since, for the greater part of the year, 

 they are either wanting, or in a tender state of 

 growth. Nature bestows them only as arms for 

 the combat which is to decide for the strongest, 

 and give a sire to the herd. 



We shall now advert to the forms of the bones 

 of the greater animals, and to those of man. 

 That the bones which form the interior of ani- 

 mal bodies should have the most perfect shape, 

 combining strength and lightness, ought not to 

 surprise us, when we find this in the lowest vege- 

 table production. 



A reed, or a quill, or a bone may be taken to 

 prove that in nature's works strength is given 

 with the least possible expense of materials. The 

 long bones of animals are for the most part hol- 

 low cylinders, filled up with the lightest substance, 

 marrow ; and in birds the object is attained by 

 means (if we may be permitted to say so) still 



