NATURAL HISTORY. 11 



Extending our eye beyond the boundaries of 

 terrestial objects, we should be lost in wonder 

 and admiration in contemplating that immense 

 and interminable mass of water with which we 

 are in every direction surrounded: at one time, 

 calm, tranquillizing, and inviting; at another, 

 majestically terrible threatening us by the mag- 

 nitude and rapidity of its movements with instan- 

 taneous destruction, yet from some unknown 

 cause, and as if by enchantment, when most 

 appaling, arrested in its progress, and, like a 

 vanquished enemy, retracing its steps back to 

 its former position. 



Such are the appearances which our first in- 

 troduction to the natural world would present 

 to our observation. 



But there is one feature to be described which, 

 as being more brought home to our senses than 

 any yet noticed, and as being of a less tangible 

 nature, would excite in us a greater share of 

 wonder, and an increased curiosity to become 

 acquainted with its properties and laws. For 

 in the midst of our contemplations, we should 

 find ourselves surrounded with an invisible sub- 

 stance, from which alone we and all animate 

 nature breathe and have life; and which, pressing 

 in every direction, preserves the equilibrium of 

 the whole machinery, as well as confines to its 

 own proper sphere each minuter part ; while its 

 constituent principles form the great sources of 



