of the rich, we shall in general find, that, in proportion to the 

 wealth and consequence of the possessor, will the more solid parts 

 of the building be composed of these remains of animated beings, 

 which lived in a former world. For the external part of such build- 

 ings, the architect finds no substance so well adapted, from its du- 

 rability, and its easy yielding to the instrument, as the various kinds 

 of coarser limestones ; nor for the more fine, internal and ornamental 

 work, any substance so well calculated, by its fineness of texture., 

 and pleasing appearance, to unite the advantages of strength and 

 beauty, as the various marbles. 



Although insuperable difficulties may oppose that theory, which 

 attributes the formation of all these substances, to the decomposi- 

 tion of certain kinds of animal matter ; yet I have no hesitation in 

 asserting that a very considerable portion of those masses, entirely 

 owe their origin to that process. Seldom is a block of limestone 

 severed, but the cut surfaces show the vestiges of animals, and of 

 their domiciles : and frequently, the polished slab of marble will 

 be found to be almost wholly composed of similar remains. Thus 

 we perceive that matter is in constant motion ; being impelled, in 

 regular progression, through various forms, and modes of existence: 

 being thus made to perform those important functions, on which the 

 life, as it were, of this globe depends. 



The study of animated nature affords more amusement, and ex- 

 cites more general attention, than, perhaps, any other department of 

 natural history. It yields to the mind the amplest gratification, by 

 the positive and indubitable information it conveys, respecting the 

 varying economy, and the curious instinctive habitudes, which dis- 

 tinguish the numerous species of animals ; and by displaying the al- 

 most insensible shades of difference, by which the varieties of each 

 species are distinguished ; and the more marked and striking con- 

 trast, by which each species is separated from the other. Nor yet is 

 the mind feasted to fulness ; since, at the same time, the several pro- 



V.OL, i. c 



