265 



oxygen, that only the external part is actually consumed and re- 

 duced to an ash ; whilst the other part is rendered a coke or cinder, 

 and is capable of being again employed ; and even, with increased 

 advantage, in many culinary and chemical operations. Here then 

 are we presented with one of the many instances, in nature's works, 

 of the obtaining of the most important ends, by a contrivance not 

 less remarkable for its simplicity, than for the certainty with which 

 it accomplishes the desired effect. It also serves to show that, in 

 every investigation of the operations of nature, the more minute 

 are our inquiries, the more will our admiration be excited by the 

 discoveries which we make. A superficial examination of any of 

 the works of creation must be sufficient to excite our wonder; but 

 an inquiry, successfully employed, in ascertaining the means by 

 which one, even of the least, important purposes of nature is 

 effected, cannot fail to excite a reverential awe, and dispose to the 

 adoration of the Great Supreme. 



Yours, &c. 



LETTER XXVI. 



RECAPITULATION. ...APPARENT AGREEMENT Ofc THE HYPOTHESIS 

 WITH THE ECONOMY OF NATURE. 



1 o enable you to form a clearer judgmenttof the opinion I have 

 delivered, respecting the formation of peat-bogs, coal strata, &c. 

 I will endeavour, in a recapitulatory sketch, to furnish you with an 

 uninterrupted statement of the means which, I imagine, nature 

 employs lor accomplishing these purposes. 

 VOL. i MM 



