NATURAL THEOLOGY. 139 



fish and reptiles, their natural food, had long excited 

 the curiosity of naturalists, by the length of time in 

 which they would stand motionless, expecting their 

 prey. At last it was found, that in the lower ex- 

 tremity of the thigh bone there is a deep cavity into 

 which a corresponding projection in the leg can be 

 shut at the pleasure of the animal. The thigh and 

 leg being thus firmly locked together, and to all 

 intents and purposes, constituting but one piece, 

 no muscular power is necessary to keep them ex- 

 tended." 



ALIMENTARY ORGANS. 



T. You have attended to some of the principal 

 manifestations of creative wisdom exhibited in the 

 Senses ; in the frame work of the animal structure, 

 the bones ; and the muscles by which they are put in 

 motion : We shall now notice the no less striking 

 displays of design and wisdom which appear in the 

 means provided to sustain the body, and preserve it in 

 life and vigor. The alimentary apparatus, or that for 

 nourishing the system, brings into view a new class 

 of phenomena. We shall first describe the mouth. 



