Bit] AND SYMBOLS. 27 



powers and resources, and by reason of our mastery over the 

 circumstances of life. If we are to single out of the human 

 race particular individuals for especial rank, it should be those 

 who are qualified for high service by reason of the range and 

 character of their virtues and faculties. Q. 



The Benignant Soul. 



The benignant soul possesses a vital energy and an ubiquity 

 which resemble the moss. It matters not to the healthy action 

 of the mosses' functions whether the surrounding air be stagnant 

 or in motion, for we find them on the mountain-top amid 

 howling winds and driving storms, and in the calm, silent, 

 secluded wood, where hardly a breeze penetrates to ruffle their 

 leaves. The range of flowering-plants is circumscribed by con- 

 ditions of light, temperature, elevation above the sea, geological 

 character of the district, and various other physical causes ; but 

 the wonderful vital energy with which the mosses are endowed, 

 enables them to resist the most unfavourable influences, to grow 

 freely and luxuriantly even in the bleakest circumstances, and 

 to acclimatise themselves, without changing their character, in 

 any region of the earth, and every kind of situation upon its 

 surface. They symbolise the benignant soul. It is found in 

 connection with every form of religion, and where there is no 

 form of religion at all. In the fierceness of a world's persecution 

 it maintains its place, yet graces the humble secluded paths of 

 private life. It is found in men of all colours and climes ; and, 

 in various forms, dwells wherever there is suffering which needs 

 solacing, or calamities which demand heroism. FO. 



The Biter Bitten. 



The common pinna (Pinna pectinatct) are plentiful on the 

 southern coasts of England, particularly in Cornwall. One or 

 two inches of the pointed end of the shell are inserted in the 

 soil In its ordinary position this opening in the shell is about 

 two inches wide, exposing the contained animal, which occupies 

 but a small portion of the cavity, and seems to offer itself as 

 a prey to the first creature that may choose to devour it. Some 

 fish is thus tempted to enter, but the first touch within is a 



